July 10, 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL), known as cricket's annual extravaganza, has witnessed a remarkable growth in its business value, reaching a staggering $18.5 billion. This substantial increase of 13% within a year underscores the league's soaring popularity and commercial success. A report by renowned investment bank Houlihan Lokey, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, shed light on the escalating business and brand values associated with the IPL. The league's brand value surged by 14% to nearly $4 billion, amounting to approximately Rs 33,000 crore. Notably, the report highlighted Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the 2025 IPL champions, clinching the top spot in brand value among the ten competing teams, with a valuation of $269 million. Following RCB, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders secured notable positions in the brand valuation table with values ranging from $227 million to $242 million. The report acclaimed IPL for pushing the boundaries of sports commercialization through landmark sponsorships, cutting-edge technologies, and expanding its international reach. Described as a global phenomenon, the IPL's influence extends beyond cricket, reshaping fan engagement and commercial models. Moreover, the report emphasized that IPL's prosperity has catalyzed the emergence of short-format leagues worldwide, revolutionizing the cricketing landscape and becoming an integral part of contemporary popular culture. Additionally, the report highlighted a substantial 50% surge in advertising revenue during the 2025 IPL season, reaching approximately $600 million (Rs 5,000 crore). The final match between RCB and Punjab Kings garnered over 678 million views, surpassing the viewership of the India-Pakistan clash during the ICC Championship earlier that year. The IPL's revenue model was commended for its balance of predictable cash flows and cost management, backed by BCCI's robust media rights contracts and strategic sponsorship deals. The report noted that almost 80% of the franchise's costs are secured before the tournament commences, with salary cap regulations ensuring cost control and competitive balance among teams. Comparatively, the IPL's revenue and cost structures were deemed superior to those of the English Premier League (EPL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA). The IPL's appeal to institutional investors lies in its potential as a high-growth entity in the entertainment domain, catering to a burgeoning fan base seeking premium digital experiences amidst rising disposable incomes.

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Tags: Ipl, Business value, Sports, Brand value, Revenue,