IPL's Business Value Soars by 13% to Reach $18.5 Billion
the global investment bank Houlihan Lokey, Inc. unveiled its annual IPL Brand Valuation Study, offering a comprehensive look at the business value of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and its 10 franchises. The report revealed that the IPL's overall business value has surged to $18.5 billion, while its stand-alone brand value has climbed to $3.9 billion. Compared to the previous year, the business value has risen by 12.9%, and the stand-alone brand value has jumped by 13.8%.
Last season, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) welcomed four associate sponsors—My11Circle, Angel One, RuPay, and CEAT. This strategic move generated a remarkable INR 1485 crores, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. In 2022, the Tata Group acquired the title sponsorship rights for the IPL for two seasons. The brand extended this sponsorship in 2024, securing it through the 2028 season in a five-year deal worth $300 million (INR 2,500 crores).
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerged victorious in this season's IPL, claiming the trophy for the first time. The franchise's brand value has escalated from $227 million last year to $269 million. Punjab Kings, the runner-up, recorded the highest year-on-year growth rate among the franchises, with its brand value increasing by an impressive 39.6% from 2024.
"The IPL continues to set benchmarks in sports business. Franchise valuations have soared, media rights deals have reached record highs, and brand partnerships have diversified across sectors," remarked Harsh Talikoti, Director of Financial and Valuation Advisory at Houlihan Lokey.
The 2025 IPL season delivered an astounding viewership. During the opening weekend (March 22-24), JioHotstar recorded 1.37 billion views, a 35% increase from the previous year. The peak concurrent viewership reached 340 million, with a total watch time of 21.86 billion minutes. Star Sports also saw a 14% year-on-year increase in unique TV viewership, reaching 253 million viewers and a combined watch time of 49.56 billion minutes.
The final match between RCB and Punjab Kings ensured a new champion for the league. On the day of the final, JioHotstar recorded over 678 million views, surpassing the viewership of the India-Pakistan match in the Champions Trophy.
"The league's ability to attract global investors and sponsors reflects its status as a premier sports property with enduring appeal. In summary, the IPL represents a high-yield multi-asset class with diversified risks and a catalyst for cricket's global transformation. By blending sport, entertainment, and commerce, it has redefined how cricket is consumed and commercialized. Its growth trajectory, led by OTT penetration, a blend of youthful and diverse audiences, global awareness, and asset creation (IP deals, women's league, new franchisees), is strong. As the sport continues to expand into new territories, the IPL's blueprint will remain central to shaping the future of cricket on the world stage," Talikoti added.
