- IPL's business value has increased to $20.6 billion, reflecting an 11.4% year-on-year growth, according to the 2026 IPL Brand Valuation Study released by Houlihan Lokey, Inc.
- RCB was acquired for $1.78 billion, making it the most expensive IPL franchise transaction to date.
- Rajasthan Royals changed hands for $1.65 billion.
- IPL reached 1.06 billion screens with a 7% increase in viewership year-on-year, according to JioStar data.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has solidified its status as a premier global sports property, with its business value climbing to US$20.6 billion, marking an 11.4% year-on-year increase. This growth is attributed to a robust commercial ecosystem and a shift towards digital consumption, as highlighted in the 2026 IPL Brand Valuation Study by Houlihan Lokey.
The league's stand-alone brand value also saw a significant rise of 10.3% to US$4.3 billion, reflecting a surge in investor confidence and commercial momentum. Notably, the IPL has added over US$1.1 billion in brand value since 2023, showcasing its expanding influence in the sports market.
Franchise valuations have reached unprecedented heights, with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) being acquired for a record US$1.78 billion and Rajasthan Royals changing hands for US$1.65 billion. The report indicates that the IPL's viewership has also increased, reaching 1.06 billion screens and generating 32.6 billion minutes of watch time during its opening weekend alone.4
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As Harsh Talikoti, a director at Houlihan Lokey, stated, “Cricket’s evolution into a globally owned, institutionally backed asset class has accelerated further in 2026, with the IPL continuing to redefine the global sports landscape.” The league's transition towards digital platforms is reshaping its monetization strategies, supporting premium partnerships and driving total revenues beyond US$1.8 billion.
“The IPL's stand-alone brand value also grew 10.3% to $4.3 billion, reflecting sustained commercial momentum and rising investor confidence. Additionally, the league's viewership reached 1.06 billion screens, with the opening weekend attracting 515 million viewers and generating 32.6 billion minutes of watch time.”
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