- IPL’s enterprise value hits $18.5B in 2025, up 12.9% YoY, according to Houlihan Lokey.
- RCB becomes the most valuable franchise after winning their maiden title.
- Record-breaking viewership and sponsorship revenues highlight the league’s dominance.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has reached a new financial peak in 2025, with its business value jumping 12.9% year-over-year to USD 18.5 billion (₹1.58 lakh crore), as reported by global investment bank Houlihan Lokey.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) topped franchise brand valuations at USD 269 million, marking an 18.5% year-on-year increase following their historic title win.
RCB Leads the Charge as IPL’s Valuation Rockets to $18.5 Billion in 2025
The 2025 IPL season set new standards across broadcast and streaming. JioStar recorded 1.37 billion digital views during the opening weekend, representing a 35% surge from the previous year. Star Sports added 253 million unique TV viewers to the mix, reflecting a growing balance between traditional and digital platforms. The IPL final—where RCB triumphed—drew a record-breaking 169 million TV viewers, making it the most-watched cricket match in Indian history.
Franchise valuation growth has been a defining narrative this season. RCB’s ascension to the top came not just from their maiden championship, but also from sustained fan engagement, merchandise sales, and digital monetization. In contrast, traditional giants like Chennai Super Kings witnessed a slight dip in rank, indicating a shift in brand dynamics influenced by both on-field performance and off-field innovation.
Commercial partnerships have played a vital role in IPL’s expanding financial ecosystem. The BCCI secured ₹1,485 crore through four associate sponsors — My11Circle, Angel One, RuPay, and CEAT — marking a 25% jump from the previous cycle. The growth signals not just popularity, but also a maturing league that offers consistent return on investment for brands, both domestic and international.
With the IPL reaching over one billion viewers across linear and digital platforms, its positioning is no longer just national — it’s global. The sustained viewership surge and high franchise valuations underscore how cricket, through IPL, has transformed into a billion-dollar media and entertainment engine. As media rights and sponsorships diversify, the league appears poised for even greater global expansion.
The IPL’s 2025 season has not only delivered thrilling cricket but also reshaped the commercial landscape of global sports, cementing its status as a media juggernaut.
“Cricket is not just a game; it’s a business, a brand, and now, a billion-dollar empire.” — Anonymous
