IPL Business Value Surpasses $20 Billion in 2026 Report

 

Players compete during an Indian Premier League match as the tournament's business value surpasses $20 billion, according to a new industry report.

IPL Business Value Surpasses $20 Billion, New Report Says

NEW DELHI — July 29, 2026

The business value of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has risen above $20 billion for the first time, reflecting continued growth in the world's richest Twenty20 cricket competition, according to a new valuation report.

U.S.-based investment bank Houlihan Lokey estimated the league's business value at $20.6 billion in its 2026 IPL Brand Valuation Study, representing an increase of more than 11% compared with last year. The report also said the IPL's standalone brand value climbed 10.3% to $4.3 billion.

Since launching in 2008, the IPL has become one of the world's most commercially successful sports leagues. Its financial strength is driven by broadcast rights, sponsorship agreements, merchandise sales and growing investment in franchise ownership.

The latest valuation follows major ownership deals involving two IPL franchises earlier this year, highlighting continued investor interest in the tournament.

In March, a consortium including Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group and Times of India Group agreed to acquire Royal Challengers Bengaluru for a record $1.78 billion. In May, the Mittal family and businessman Adar Poonawalla announced plans to purchase the Rajasthan Royals for $1.65 billion.

According to Houlihan Lokey, these transactions demonstrate rising confidence in the long-term commercial potential of IPL franchises and the league's expanding global appeal.

Harsh Talikoti, a director in the firm's Financial and Valuation Advisory business, said franchise values have continued to reach new highs while private investment has increased. He added that the IPL benefits from diverse revenue sources, stable financial performance and a growing international audience.

The report also ranked Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the IPL's most valuable franchise, with a brand value of $312 million. The team won its first IPL title earlier this year, further strengthening its commercial position.

The latest figures mark a second consecutive year of double-digit growth for the league, reinforcing the IPL's position as one of the world's leading sports business brands.