The Indian Premier League is strengthening its position as the number one competition in T20 cricket with its value rising by 11% this year.
Published on July 29, 2026
The business value of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the world’s richest Twenty20 series, has risen more than 11 per cent to $20.6 billion this year, according to US-based investment bank Houlihan Lokey.
The increase reflects the second consecutive year of double-digit growth in the value of IPL’s business, Houlihan Lokey said in the ‘2026 IPL Brand Valuation Study’ on Wednesday.
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Since its launch in 2008, the 10-team competition has consistently attracted the world’s leading cricketers while building a business model that combines broadcast revenues, sponsorship, promotion and investment in franchises.
Ownership changes in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals franchises earlier this year demonstrated the IPL’s appeal to big investors and the premium attached to established teams within the league.
A consortium including Blackstone, Bolte Ventures, Aditya Birla Group and Times of India Group said in March that it would acquire the Bengaluru franchise for a record $1.78 billion. Separately, last May, the Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla said they would buy Rajasthan for $1.65 billion.
“Franchise valuations have reached new highs, private capital participation has accelerated, and the league’s commercial ecosystem continues to diversify,” said Harsh Talikoti, Director, Financial Advisory and Valuation Business at Houlihan Lokey.
“The Indian Premier League represents a unique convergence of sports, media and consumer opportunities, supported by strong revenue visibility, disciplined cost structures and an expanding global audience.”
“These recent transactions also demonstrate the confidence investors continue to place in the long-term value creation opportunity.”
IPL’s standalone brand value rose 10.3 percent over the past year to $4.3 billion. Defending champions Bengaluru remain the league’s most valuable franchise, with a brand value of $312 million.
