The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a global benchmark for sports franchises, blending cricket’s passion with unparalleled commercial success. In 2025, the league reached new financial heights, with its overall business valuation soaring to $18.5 billion, a 12.9% increase from the previous year, according to Houlihan Lokey’s 2025 IPL Brand Valuation Study. Amid this growth, a seismic shift occurred in the franchise rankings: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) dethroned Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) to emerge as the richest IPL team, with a brand valuation of $269 million. This historic achievement, fueled by RCB’s maiden IPL title win, marks a turning point in the league’s competitive and financial landscape.
RCB’s Rise to the Top
For years, RCB was synonymous with heartbreak, boasting a massive fanbase and star players like Virat Kohli but no IPL trophy to show for it. That changed in 2025 when RCB, led by captain Rajat Patidar, clinched their first title after 17 years, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a record-breaking final that garnered 678 million views on JioHotstar. This victory not only ended RCB’s title drought but also propelled their brand value from $227 million in 2024 to $269 million in 2025, an 18.5% jump.
RCB’s ascent to the top spot is a testament to their strategic reinvention. The franchise balanced continuity with innovation, retaining Kohli as a senior batter while appointing Patidar as captain. This leadership shift, combined with a cohesive team performance, resonated with fans and sponsors alike. Off the field, RCB’s social media presence exploded, with their Instagram following surging to 22 million, surpassing CSK (18.8 million) and MI (18.4 million). This digital dominance amplified their brand appeal, attracting diverse sponsorships and global investors.
The Fall of CSK and MI
Chennai Super Kings, long the IPL’s financial powerhouse, slipped to third place with a brand value of $235 million, up marginally from $231 million in 2024. CSK’s disappointing 2025 season, marked by a bottom-of-the-table finish with just four wins in 14 league games, dented their valuation. A mid-season leadership change and inconsistent on-field performance further eroded their dominance. Despite their loyal fanbase and MS Dhoni’s enduring appeal, CSK struggled to maintain their legacy advantage in a performance-driven valuation era.
Mumbai Indians, with a brand value of $242 million, climbed to second place, up from $204 million in 2024. MI’s rise was notable, driven by a strong season and their global brand expansion through ownership of franchises like MI New York and MI Cape Town. However, they couldn’t overtake RCB, whose title win and Kohli’s star power proved insurmountable. MI’s valuation growth reflects their business acumen, but RCB’s championship success stole the spotlight.
The IPL’s Financial Juggernaut
The IPL’s $18.5 billion valuation in 2025 places it among the world’s most valuable sporting leagues, rivaling the NFL and Premier League. The league’s stand-alone brand value also rose 13.8% to $3.9 billion, fueled by soaring media rights deals, diversified sponsorships, and unprecedented viewership. The RCB-PBKS final alone outdrew the India-Pakistan ICC Championship clash, underscoring the IPL’s global appeal.
Franchise valuations reflect this growth. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ranked fourth at $227 million, benefiting from Shah Rukh Khan’s star power and players like Sunil Narine. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) followed at $154 million, despite underperforming expectations. Delhi Capitals ($152 million), Rajasthan Royals ($146 million), Gujarat Titans ($142 million), Punjab Kings ($141 million), and Lucknow Super Giants ($122 million) rounded out the rankings. PBKS saw the highest year-on-year growth at 39.6%, driven by their strong on-field performance.
Factors Driving RCB’s Valuation
Several factors contributed to RCB’s valuation surge:
Maiden Title Win: The 2025 championship was a game-changer, elevating RCB’s marketability and fan engagement. Winning the IPL after 17 years created a narrative of triumph that resonated globally.
Virat Kohli’s Influence: Kohli, a global cricket icon, remains RCB’s biggest asset. His on-field brilliance and off-field charisma drive sponsorships and fan loyalty. Posts on X highlight his impact, with one user noting, “Just one trophy was enough to make them the most valuable IPL team… It’s huge!”
Social Media Dominance: RCB’s 22 million Instagram followers reflect their digital prowess. Their engaging content, from match highlights to behind-the-scenes glimpses, keeps fans hooked and sponsors invested.
Sponsorship Surge: RCB’s title win attracted a 25% increase in sponsorship revenue, with brands across sectors vying for partnerships. This diversification strengthened their financial model.
Leadership and Team Cohesion: Rajat Patidar’s captaincy and a balanced squad delivered consistent performances, boosting RCB’s brand perception.
Challenges and Controversies
RCB’s triumph wasn’t without hurdles. A tragic stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during title celebrations claimed 11 lives, casting a shadow over their victory. The incident sparked controversy, with victims’ families leveling allegations against the franchise, prompting the BCCI to consider legal action. This tragedy highlighted the need for better crowd management at IPL events.
Additionally, RCB’s owners, Diageo Plc, explored selling the franchise in June 2025, valuing it at $2 billion. While no deal materialized, the speculation underscored RCB’s skyrocketing worth. Diageo’s ownership through United Spirits Ltd. has been stable since 2014, but regulatory pressures, including India’s push to curb alcohol brand promotions in the IPL, could influence future decisions.
The Broader IPL Landscape
The IPL’s financial success is reshaping global cricket. With the sport set to feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the league is poised for further growth. International investors are increasingly drawn to the IPL’s scalable business model, as noted by PBKS CEO Satish Menon: “We now operate with the mindset of a media-sport brand with multiple revenue verticals, not just a cricket team.”
However, challenges remain. A brief mid-season suspension in 2025 due to regional tensions tested the league’s resilience. Despite this, the IPL’s ability to rebound with record viewership and valuations underscores its robustness. The league’s focus on performance-based valuations signals a shift from legacy-driven dominance, putting pressure on teams like CSK to adapt.
What’s Next for RCB?
RCB’s newfound status as the richest IPL team comes with expectations. Sustaining their valuation will require consistent on-field success, innovative fan engagement, and strategic sponsorships. The franchise’s digital dominance positions them well to attract younger audiences, while Kohli’s global appeal ensures continued sponsor interest.
Potential ownership changes loom large. If Diageo opts to sell, RCB’s $2 billion valuation could attract global investors, further elevating the IPL’s profile. However, any transition must preserve the franchise’s fan-centric identity, which has been key to their success.
In Summary
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s rise to the top of the IPL’s valuation charts in 2025 is a story of perseverance, strategy, and triumph. Their maiden title win, coupled with Virat Kohli’s star power and digital dominance, propelled them past CSK and MI to a brand value of $269 million. As the IPL’s overall valuation hits $18.5 billion, RCB’s ascent reflects the league’s growing global influence. Despite challenges like the stampede controversy and potential ownership changes, RCB’s future looks bright. Their journey from perennial underdogs to the richest IPL team is a testament to the power of performance, passion, and smart business in modern cricket.
