RCB Creates History With $300 Million Brand Valuation
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has reached another significant off-field milestone, becoming the first franchise in Indian Premier League (IPL) history to reach USD 300 million in brand value.
According to the most recent analysis from Houlihan Lokey, a US-based global investment firm, RCB remains the league’s most valuable club, with a brand worth of USD 312 million, up 16 percent from USD 269 million last year.
The analysis also highlighted the IPL’s sustained commercial success, with the league’s overall business value rising from USD 18.5 billion in 2025 to USD 20.6 billion in 2026, marking a 11.4% increase. The tournament’s business value has grown by double digits for the second year in a row.
Harsh Talikoti, Director of Houlihan Lokey’s Financial and Valuation Advisory company, commented on the IPL’s expansion and its impact on the global sports sector. Cricket’s transformation into a globally owned, institutionally backed asset class will accelerate further in 2026, with the IPL continuing to reshape the global sports scene,” he told Cricbuzz.
The RCB’s extraordinary ascent comes just months after the franchise changed ownership. Earlier this year, Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, the Aditya Birla Group, and the Times of India Group bought the brand for a reported USD 1.78 billion.
Mumbai Indians, KKR, and CSK complete the top four.
While RCB held the top rank, the Mumbai Indians (MI) stayed second with a brand value of USD 264 million, representing a 9.1 percent year-on-year increase.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) jumped to third place with a brand worth of USD 245 million, just edging Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who were valued at USD 244 million.
Satyan Gajwani, co-owner of RCB and chairman of Times Internet, ascribed the franchise’s business success to its passionate followers. We were actively involved in the proceedings for both the RCB and the Rajasthan Royals, and they are both valuable assets.
Across the league, however, RCB’s fandom intensity and connection are unrivalled, making this an exceptional chance. Overall, we feel strongly in cricket’s global growth potential, and media and intellectual property exposure supports that view.”
Ness Wadia, co-owner of Punjab Kings, sees IPL teams as long-term sports and entertainment enterprises, not just seasonal cricket franchises.
The way people view IPL franchises has completely altered. They are no longer regarded as cricket teams that compete for two months each year.
They are increasingly recognised as long-term sports and entertainment businesses, which I believe is exactly how they should be viewed. The numbers speak for themselves. In less than two months, the IPL provides tremendous viewership, sponsorship value, and fan involvement.”
He emphasised the league’s growing commercial power in comparison to other major sporting events worldwide. On a per-match basis, its media rights are already comparable to some of the world’s most prestigious leagues, which is extraordinary for an 18-year-old competition.
The NFL has more than 100 teams, while the NBA has about 80. When compared to that, where we currently stand is remarkable. That provides owners the confidence to invest for the long term rather than just the next season,” he said.
Punjab Kings rated seventh with a brand worth of USD 158 million, while Sunrisers Hyderabad (USD 168 million) and Rajasthan Royals (USD 161 million) finished fifth and sixth, respectively.
Gujarat Titans ($157 million), Delhi Capitals ($156 million), and Lucknow Super Giants ($122 million) rounded out the list.
