The Indian Premier League (IPL) has once again proved why it is the biggest cricket league in the world, especially when it comes to business. The IPL continues to create history in business.
A new 2026 IPL brand valuation study has revealed that the league has become more valuable than ever before, with its overall business value crossing a massive $20.6 billion (around ₹1.97 lakh crore). Amid this, it has been revealed why Mohammed Shami is no longer in India’s Test plans.
IPL becomes a ₹1.97 lakh crore business giant in 2026
As reported by the global investment bank Houlihan Lokey, the Indian Premier League has reached another level in 2026. The IPL’s total business enterprise value has jumped by 11.4% in one year to $20.6 billion (₹19,702.46 crore). At the same time, the league’s standalone brand value has increased by 10.3% to $4.3 billion (₹41,106 crore).
Since 2023, the Indian domestic franchise league’s brand value has grown by more than $1.1 billion, which proves how quickly the league is expanding across the world. The recent change in ownership of two IPL franchises played a major role in this stunning jump.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was bought by a powerful group that includes Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group, and Times of India Group in a record deal worth $1.78 billion. On the other hand, the Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla acquired the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at a valuation of $1.65 billion. These huge investments proved that the IPL will continue to grow.
IPL 2026 breaks digital viewership records as TV audience declines
Digital platforms have also become stronger than ever, while traditional television continues to lose viewers. Data released by JioStar showed that IPL 2026 reached 1.06 billion screens, while total viewership increased by 7% compared to last season. The opening weekend alone attracted 515 million viewers, who watched the tournament for a combined 32.6 billion minutes.
Interestingly, connected TV recorded the biggest rise, with viewership growing by 26%, while television ratings dropped by 18.8%. This digital boom also helped the IPL attract premium commercial partnerships, including a three-year deal with Google Gemini.
Overall, league revenues crossed $1.8 billion, proving that digital platforms are becoming the biggest money-makers for the tournament.
RCB create history, Mumbai Indians, KKR and CSK follow in brand value list
Meanwhile, the same report claimed that the IPL franchises are now being viewed as long-term sports and entertainment businesses instead of teams that play for just two months every year.
Among all teams, Royal Challengers Bengaluru remained the most valuable IPL franchise with a brand value of $312 million, becoming the first cricket team to cross the $300 million mark. The reason is RCB’s strong performances, massive fan support, and excellent digital growth.
Mumbai Indians held the second position with a brand value of $264 million despite struggling for the last couple of seasons. Their five championship titles and strong commercial partnerships kept their brand powerful. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured third place with a brand value of $245 million, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finished fourth with $244 million.
MS Dhoni’s absence hit CSK’s brand value
However, CSK’s growth slowed after another disappointing season and the limited on-field role of the legendary MS Dhoni. The remaining rankings saw Sunrisers Hyderabad take fifth place with $168 million, followed by Rajasthan Royals at $161 million, thanks to their playoff appearance in the 2026 season and the rise of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Punjab Kings stood seventh with $158 million, while Gujarat Titans followed closely with $157 million after reaching another IPL final. Delhi Capitals occupied ninth place with $156 million, and Lucknow Super Giants completed the top 10 with $122 million after another disappointing season.
