Royal Challengers Bengaluru have become the first IPL franchise to pass USD 300 million in brand value. Investment bank Houlihan Lokey’s latest report puts RCB at USD 312 million, up 16 percent from USD 269 million in 2025, making them the most valuable team in the league.
A league still growing
The report also highlights the IPL’s commercial momentum. Total business value rose from USD 18.5 billion in 2025 to USD 20.6 billion in 2026, an increase of 11.4 percent and the second consecutive year of double-digit growth. Harsh Talikoti of Houlihan Lokey said cricket has become a globally owned, institutionally backed asset class, with the IPL reshaping the sports landscape.
RCB’s rise follows a change of ownership earlier this year, when a consortium of Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, the Aditya Birla Group and the Times of India Group bought the franchise in a deal reportedly worth USD 1.78 billion. Co-owner Satyan Gajwani, chairman of Times Internet, credited the team’s unmatched fan engagement.
The rest of the top four
Mumbai Indians stayed second at USD 264 million. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders moved up to third on USD 245 million, just ahead of Chennai Super Kings at USD 244 million.
Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia said teams are now seen as long-term sports and entertainment businesses rather than sides active for only two months a year. He added that the IPL’s media rights value per match now compares with some of the biggest leagues worldwide, even though the tournament is just 18 years old.
2026 brand value rankings
| Rank | Franchise | Brand value (USD million) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 312 |
| 2 | Mumbai Indians | 264 |
| 3 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 245 |
| 4 | Chennai Super Kings | 244 |
| 5 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 168 |
| 6 | Rajasthan Royals | 161 |
| 7 | Punjab Kings | 158 |
| 8 | Gujarat Titans | 157 |
| 9 | Delhi Capitals | 156 |
| 10 | Lucknow Super Giants | 122 |
