The biggest cricket franchise team in the world is currently Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) with a brand value of $269 million, according to Houlihan Lokey’s 2025 IPL Brand Valuation Study.

RCB dethroned Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after winning their maiden IPL title in 2025, ending their 18-year trophy drought and skyrocketing their brand value by 18.5% in a single year.

However, defining “biggest” depends on what you measure. If you look at titles won, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings lead with 5 IPL championships each.

If you measure by fan base, CSK has the largest following with over 60 million fans across social media.

If you count overall league dominance, the Indian Premier League (IPL) itself is the world’s richest and most valuable cricket league with a total value of $18.5 billion.

This complete guide ranks the top 10 biggest cricket franchises in the world based on brand value, titles, fan following, revenue, ownership, and global impact.

You’ll understand what makes these teams cricket’s most valuable properties and why they’re worth billions of dollars.

Quick Rankings: Top 10 Biggest Cricket Franchises 2025

Rank Franchise Brand Value IPL Titles Owner Captain
1 Royal Challengers Bengaluru $269M 1 United Spirits Virat Kohli
2 Mumbai Indians $242M 5 Reliance Industries Hardik Pandya
3 Chennai Super Kings $235M 5 India Cements Ruturaj Gaikwad
4 Kolkata Knight Riders $227M 3 Red Chillies Entertainment Shreyas Iyer
5 Sunrisers Hyderabad $154M 1 Sun TV Network Pat Cummins
6 Delhi Capitals $152M 0 GMR/JSW Group Axar Patel
7 Rajasthan Royals $146M 1 Manoj Badale Sanju Samson
8 Gujarat Titans $142M 1 Torrent Group Shubman Gill
9 Punjab Kings $141M 0 Burman/Wadia/Zinta Shikhar Dhawan
10 Lucknow Super Giants $122M 0 RPSG Group KL Rahul

Brand Value Growth Comparison (2024 vs 2025)

Franchise 2024 Value 2025 Value Growth % Key Factor
Royal Challengers Bengaluru $227M $269M +18.5% Maiden IPL title
Mumbai Indians $204M $242M +18.6% Consistent performance
Chennai Super Kings $246M $235M -4.5% Missed playoffs
Kolkata Knight Riders $164M $227M +38.4% 2024 IPL title
Sunrisers Hyderabad $85M $154M +76.0% Runner-up + entertaining cricket
Punjab Kings $101M $141M +39.6% Improved management
Lucknow Super Giants $91M $122M +34.1% Strong momentum

What Makes a Cricket Franchise “Biggest”?

Before ranking teams, let’s understand the factors that determine a franchise’s size and value:

  • Brand Value: How much the franchise is worth financially, calculated by investment banks like Houlihan Lokey based on revenue, fan engagement, sponsorships, and market presence.
  • Championships Won: IPL titles, trophies in other leagues, and overall winning record show sporting success and attract fans.
  • Fan Base Size: Social media followers, stadium attendance, merchandise sales, and global support base determine popularity.
  • Revenue Generation: Sponsorship deals, broadcasting rights share, ticket sales, merchandise, and commercial partnerships.
  • Star Power: Iconic players, celebrity owners (like Shah Rukh Khan for KKR), and legendary captains (like MS Dhoni for CSK) add massive value.
  • Ownership Backing: Financial muscle of owners – Reliance for MI, Tata for LSG, JSW for DC – determines spending power.
  • Global Recognition: International fan base, overseas players’ involvement, and brand awareness outside India.

Top 10 Biggest Cricket Franchises in the World (2025 Rankings)

1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – $269 Million

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

  • IPL Titles: 1 (2025)
  • Home Ground: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
  • Owner: United Spirits (Diageo)
  • Captain: Virat Kohli
  • Key Players: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Mohammed Siraj

RCB has become the most valuable cricket franchise in 2025 after finally breaking their title drought. Their brand value jumped from $227 million in 2024 to $269 million – an 18.5% increase driven by their maiden championship victory.

What makes RCB special is Virat Kohli’s massive global following. He has over 270 million Instagram followers, more than any cricketer in history.

His loyalty to RCB since 2008 has created an emotional connection with millions of fans. Despite years without a trophy, RCB consistently had the highest ticket sales and merchandise revenue, proving their fan base’s dedication.

Their social media presence is extraordinary – over 22 million followers across platforms. Every RCB match trends worldwide, and their jersey is the best-selling in IPL. The red and gold colors have become iconic in cricket.

RCB’s 2025 title win was worth billions in brand value. They finally rewarded their patient fans, and commercial opportunities exploded. New sponsorship deals poured in, and their valuation overtook traditional powerhouses CSK and MI.

2. Mumbai Indians (MI) – $242 Million

Mumbai Indians

  • IPL Titles: 5 (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020)
  • Home Ground: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
  • Owner: Reliance Industries (Mukesh Ambani)
  • Captain: Hardik Pandya
  • Key Players: Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav

Mumbai Indians are cricket’s most successful franchise with 5 IPL titles – tied with CSK but with better recent form.

Their brand value of $242 million (up from $204 million in 2024) reflects consistent excellence and India’s richest owner backing them.

Reliance Industries ownership means unlimited financial resources. MI broke records in IPL 2025 auction, buying players for massive amounts without budget concerns. This spending power translates to sustained success.

MI’s dynasty from 2013-2020 was unprecedented – they won 5 titles in 8 years. This winning culture attracts top players and creates a champion mentality. Even when they finish last (like 2022 and 2024), they bounce back strongly.

Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s best fast bowler, and Rohit Sharma, India’s T20 World Cup winning captain, give MI unmatched star power. Their blue and gold jersey is recognized globally, and their “Mumbai ka dum” (Mumbai’s power) brand identity resonates with India’s financial capital.

MI also pioneered the franchise model with sister teams – MI Cape Town (SA20), MI Emirates (ILT20), and MI New York (Major League Cricket).

This global expansion makes them cricket’s first truly international franchise brand.

3. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – $235 Million

Chennai Super Kings

  • IPL Titles: 5 (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023)
  • Home Ground: M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
  • Owner: India Cements (N. Srinivasan)
  • Captain: Ruturaj Gaikwad
  • Key Players: MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad

CSK dropped from #1 to #3 in 2025 valuations after a disappointing season where they missed playoffs. But they remain cricket’s most loved franchise with the largest and most passionate fan base.

MS Dhoni is the reason. “Captain Cool” has led CSK since 2008 (except 2016-2017 suspension years) and created the most loyal following in cricket.

At 44 years old, Dhoni’s every match feels like it could be his last, making CSK games emotional events. Their yellow jersey has become synonymous with consistency and success.

CSK’s “Whistle Podu” (blow the whistle) fan army is legendary. Chepauk Stadium in Chennai becomes a fortress when CSK plays – the crowd noise is deafening, and visiting teams fear the atmosphere. CSK fans travel in thousands to away matches, turning every venue yellow.

Financially, CSK has been profitable every single year since IPL’s inception – the only franchise with this record. Their conservative, smart team-building approach focuses on experience over youth, often criticized but highly successful with 5 titles.

CSK’s brand value at $235 million remains strong despite 2025’s setback. When Dhoni retires (possibly after IPL 2026), CSK faces a massive challenge maintaining this emotional connection and commercial success.

4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – $227 Million

Kolkata Knight Riders

  • IPL Titles: 3 (2012, 2014, 2024)
  • Home Ground: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
  • Owner: Red Chillies Entertainment (Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla)
  • Captain: Shreyas Iyer
  • Key Players: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh

KKR’s valuation of $227 million is boosted significantly by Shah Rukh Khan’s ownership. The Bollywood superstar brings massive glamour and celebrity appeal that transcends cricket.

His presence at Eden Gardens creates a festival atmosphere, and KKR benefits from his 40+ million social media followers.

Their 2024 IPL title (their third championship) came after a 10-year drought and boosted brand value by 38% year-over-year. KKR’s purple and gold colors and “Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo Re” (We will do, fight, and win) slogan connect deeply with Bengali pride.

Eden Gardens, the world’s third-largest cricket stadium with 68,000 capacity, gives KKR unmatched home advantage. The Kolkata crowd is incredibly passionate, creating an intimidating environment for opponents.

KKR has expanded globally with Trinbago Knight Riders (Caribbean Premier League) and Los Angeles Knight Riders (Major League Cricket), making them the second franchise after MI to build an international brand portfolio.

Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, two of T20 cricket’s biggest stars, have played for KKR for over a decade, creating iconic player-franchise associations that boost commercial value.

5. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – $154 Million

Sunrisers Hyderabad

  • IPL Titles: 1 (2016)
  • Home Ground: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
  • Owner: Sun TV Network (Kalanithi Maran)
  • Captain: Pat Cummins
  • Key Players: Heinrich Klaasen, Travis Head, Pat Cummins

SRH’s brand value jumped 76% in 2024 – the highest growth among all franchises – rising from $85 million to $154 million.

This explosion came from their runner-up finish in IPL 2024, where they played the most entertaining cricket with record-breaking batting performances.

Their 2024 season strategy was revolutionary – they scored 277 (highest IPL score), 287 (second highest), and consistently posted 200+ totals.

This aggressive “attack from ball one” approach made every SRH match must-watch entertainment. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma’s opening partnerships became legendary.

SRH’s orange army fan base, while smaller than CSK or MI, is incredibly vocal. The Hyderabad crowd brings energy, and SRH has cultivated a “underdogs with power” image that resonates with younger fans.

Sun TV Network’s ownership gives them strong media connections and broadcasting expertise. Their content creation and social media engagement improved dramatically in 2024, attracting newer, digital-first fans.

Pat Cummins’ leadership as captain brought international credibility. The Australian World Cup-winning captain choosing SRH over other franchises boosted their global profile.

6. Delhi Capitals (DC) – $152 Million

Delhi Capitals

  • IPL Titles: 0 (Runners-up: 2020)
  • Home Ground: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
  • Owner: GMR Group (50%), JSW Group (50%)
  • Captain: Axar Patel
  • Key Players: Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Tristan Stubbs

DC’s $152 million valuation comes despite never winning an IPL title. Their joint ownership by GMR and JSW – two of India’s largest business houses – provides huge financial backing and corporate resources.

After the 2018 rebranding from “Delhi Daredevils” to “Delhi Capitals,” the franchise transformed its image. Modern branding, smart team management, and focus on youth development created a more professional franchise.

Rishabh Pant, before his car accident in 2022, was DC’s biggest asset – India’s star wicketkeeper-batsman who attracted young fans. His return in 2024 and record ₹27 crore retention price shows his value. DC bet everything on Pant’s star power.

Delhi’s cricket market is challenging – the city has fickle fans who support winners. DC reached the 2020 final but couldn’t capitalize commercially as well as southern franchises. Their blue and red colors lack the emotional connection of CSK’s yellow or MI’s blue.

DC owns franchise teams in other leagues, attempting to build a global brand, but they need an IPL title to truly explode in value.

7. Rajasthan Royals (RR) – $146 Million

Rajasthan Royals

RR won the inaugural IPL in 2008 under Shane Warne’s captaincy but haven’t won since. Their $146 million valuation comes from smart ownership by RedBird Capital Partners and emerging cricket markets in Rajasthan.

RR pioneered data analytics in cricket. Their ownership group uses advanced statistics and player profiling to find undervalued talent. This “Moneyball” approach helps them compete despite smaller budgets.

Sanju Samson’s captaincy and recent form (including back-to-back T20I centuries in 2024) elevated RR’s profile. Jos Buttler, one of cricket’s most explosive batsmen, gives them international star power.

Rajasthan’s pink jersey is unique and eye-catching. Their “Halla Bol” (attack) slogan resonates with Rajasthani pride. Jaipur crowds are enthusiastic, creating a carnival atmosphere at home matches.

RR reached the 2022 final, showing they can compete. A second title would significantly boost their valuation and cement their place among cricket’s elite franchises.

8. Gujarat Titans (GT) – $142 Million

Gujarat Titans

  • IPL Titles: 1 (2022)
  • Home Ground: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
  • Owner: Torrent Group (67%), CVC Capital (33%)
  • Captain: Shubman Gill
  • Key Players: Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, Mohit Sharma

GT is the newest major franchise (debuted 2022) but immediately proved their worth by winning the IPL in their first season – an unprecedented achievement. Their brand value of $142 million is remarkable for a 3-year-old franchise.

Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket stadium with 132,000 capacity, gives GT a massive home advantage. The Gujarat market was untapped in cricket, and GT captured it instantly with their maiden title.

Shubman Gill, India’s young batting prodigy, leads GT at just 25 years old. His youth appeal and elegant batting style attract younger demographics. Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s leg-spin superstar, adds international flavor.

The Torrent Group, a major pharmaceutical company, brings serious financial backing. CVC Capital’s involvement (they also invested in Formula 1 and Six Nations rugby) shows GT’s potential for global expansion.

GT’s blue and gold colors and “Jai Jawan” (glory to the brave) theme connect with Gujarat’s entrepreneurial spirit. Their 2022 Cinderella story created instant brand loyalty, but they need sustained success to match older franchises’ valuations.

9. Punjab Kings (PBKS) – $141 Million

Punjab Kings

  • IPL Titles: 0 (Runners-up: 2014)
  • Home Ground: PCA Stadium, Mohali
  • Owner: Mohit Burman, Ness Wadia, Preity Zinta
  • Captain: Shikhar Dhawan
  • Key Players: Shikhar Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada, Liam Livingstone

PBKS showed the biggest year-over-year growth in 2025 – a 39.6% jump to $141 million from $101 million in 2024. This growth came despite never winning an IPL title, showing improved management and branding.

Their ownership by Preity Zinta (Bollywood actress), Mohit Burman (Dabur heir), and Ness Wadia (Bombay Dyeing) provides glamour and business acumen. Zinta’s energetic presence at matches creates buzz and media attention.

PBKS’s challenge has been consistency – they’ve missed playoffs 10 consecutive years (2014-2024), the longest drought in IPL. But their aggressive auction strategies and willingness to break records (₹18.5 crore for Sam Curran in 2023) show ambition.

The Punjab market is passionate about cricket, but the team’s inconsistency has frustrated fans. If PBKS finally delivers a title, their brand value could explode given the large, untapped North Indian market.

Their red and silver colors and “Sadda Punjab” (Our Punjab) branding connect with Punjabi pride globally, especially with the large Punjabi diaspora in Canada, UK, and Australia.

10. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – $122 Million

Lucknow Super Giants

  • IPL Titles: 0
  • Home Ground: Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
  • Owner: RPSG Group (Sanjiv Goenka)
  • Captain: KL Rahul
  • Key Players: Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi

LSG debuted in 2022 (same as GT) and quickly established themselves with a $122 million valuation. Their 34% year-over-year growth in 2025 shows strong momentum despite not winning a title yet.

RPSG Group (RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group) brings massive resources – they own power distribution companies, retail chains, and previously owned Rising Pune Supergiant. Sanjiv Goenka’s visible involvement and passionate reactions during matches create talking points.

KL Rahul, one of India’s most talented batsmen and former national vice-captain, leads LSG. While controversies around his captaincy style exist, his batting skills are undeniable. Nicholas Pooran, West Indies’ explosive hitter, provides entertainment value.

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh’s capital, is a growing cricket market. The Ekana Stadium is modern and well-designed. LSG tapped into UP’s huge population (over 200 million) where cricket frenzy rivals anywhere in India.

LSG’s blue and gold colors and young franchise energy appeal to newer fans. They’ve made playoffs in both seasons (2022, 2023), showing competitiveness. A title in the next 2-3 years would significantly boost their brand value toward the top 5.

Championship History: Who Has Won Most IPL Titles?

Franchise IPL Titles Years Won Finals Lost Win %
Mumbai Indians 5 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020 2010, 2024 71.4%
Chennai Super Kings 5 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019 50.0%
Kolkata Knight Riders 3 2012, 2014, 2024 2021 75.0%
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 1 2025 2009, 2011, 2016 25.0%
Sunrisers Hyderabad 1 2016 2018, 2024 33.3%
Rajasthan Royals 1 2008 2022 50.0%
Gujarat Titans 1 2022 2023 50.0%
Delhi Capitals 0 2020 0.0%
Punjab Kings 0 2014 0.0%
Lucknow Super Giants 0

Why IPL Dominates World Cricket Franchises?

The Indian Premier League is the world’s richest cricket league valued at $18.5 billion total, with standalone brand value of $3.9 billion. Here’s why IPL franchises dominate:

  • Population Power: India’s 1.4 billion people create the world’s largest cricket market. Even 5% engagement means 70 million fans – more than most countries’ populations.
  • Media Rights: IPL’s 2023-2027 media rights sold for $6.2 billion (₹48,390 crore) – the second-highest for any sports league globally after NFL. This revenue flows to franchises.
  • Corporate Backing: India’s biggest business houses (Reliance, Tata, JSW, GMR) own franchises and bring professional management plus unlimited resources.
  • Star Power: Cricket is religion in India, and IPL players are worshipped like gods. This creates unmatched emotional investment and commercial opportunities.
  • T20 Format: IPL perfected the shortest, most entertaining cricket format. Two-hour matches fit modern attention spans, and boundaries every over create constant excitement.
  • Bollywood Connection: Celebrity owners (Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Juhi Chawla) and Bollywood performances at matches blend entertainment with sports.
  • Global Players: Every IPL team has international superstars – from Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies, Afghanistan. This global talent pool attracts worldwide audiences.
  • Time Slot: IPL matches are scheduled perfectly for Indian prime time (evening) when maximum viewers watch. This drives TV ratings and ad revenues sky-high.

Comparison: IPL vs Other Cricket Leagues

League Country Total Value Top Franchise Value Founded Teams
Indian Premier League (IPL) India $18.5B $269M (RCB) 2008 10
Big Bash League (BBL) Australia ~$1.5B $50-80M 2011 8
Pakistan Super League (PSL) Pakistan ~$500M $30-50M 2016 6
SA20 South Africa ~$600M $40-60M 2023 6
Caribbean Premier League (CPL) West Indies ~$300M $15-30M 2013 6
The Hundred England ~$800M $60-100M 2021 8

Big Bash League (BBL) – Australia: Total value around $1.5 billion. Top franchises like Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers are valued at $50-80 million each – far below IPL teams.

Pakistan Super League (PSL): Total value around $500 million. Despite Pakistan’s cricket passion, political instability and security concerns limit growth. Top franchises worth $30-50 million.

Caribbean Premier League (CPL): Smaller market, franchises valued at $15-30 million each. Relies heavily on overseas viewership since Caribbean population is limited.

SA20 (South Africa): New league (started 2023) backed by IPL franchises. Highest-valued teams around $40-60 million, showing growth potential but still far from IPL levels.

The Hundred (England): ECB-owned model limits franchise independence. Teams valued at $60-100 million but lack the emotional fan connection of IPL franchises.

Why IPL Dominates: Indian market size, cricket culture intensity, BCCI’s administrative strength, media rights value, and corporate backing create an ecosystem no other cricket league can match.

Social Media Following: Fan Base Comparison

Franchise Instagram Twitter/X Facebook Total Followers
Chennai Super Kings 14.5M 12.8M 33M 60.3M
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 11.2M 10.5M 24M 45.7M
Mumbai Indians 10.8M 9.6M 22M 42.4M
Kolkata Knight Riders 9.3M 8.2M 19M 36.5M
Sunrisers Hyderabad 5.2M 4.8M 12M 22.0M
Delhi Capitals 4.8M 4.2M 11M 20.0M
Rajasthan Royals 4.5M 3.9M 10M 18.4M
Punjab Kings 3.7M 3.2M 9M 15.9M
Gujarat Titans 3.2M 2.8M 7M 13.0M
Lucknow Super Giants 2.5M 2.1M 6M 10.6M

Future Outlook: How Franchise Values Will Grow

IPL Expansion: BCCI may add 2 more teams by 2027, reaching 12 franchises. New teams in Ahmedabad and Lucknow already proved valuable – future additions in Guwahati, Dharamshala, or Raipur could unlock new markets.

Global Franchise Networks: MI, KKR, and others building international franchise portfolios create synergies. Players move between sister franchises, sharing scouting and analytics. This global expansion multiplies brand value.

Digital Growth: Younger fans consume cricket on phones and social media, not TV. Franchises investing in content creation, Instagram reels, and fan engagement apps will capture Gen Z audiences worth billions.

Women’s Cricket: Women’s IPL (WPL) launched in 2023 created new franchise opportunities. As women’s cricket grows, combined men’s and women’s franchise valuations will surge.

Crypto and NFT Integration: Some franchises are exploring cryptocurrency sponsorships and NFT collectibles. Digital assets could create new revenue streams worth millions.

Private Equity Investment: More international investors (like CVC Capital with GT) bringing global sports marketing expertise and capital. This professionalizes franchise operations and boosts valuations.

Mega Auctions: Every 3 years, IPL holds mega auctions where teams rebuild from scratch. These create media spectacles, reset player values, and generate billions in publicity.

Projected Franchise Values by 2030

Franchise 2025 Value Projected 2030 Value Growth Factor
Royal Challengers Bengaluru $269M $500M+ Virat Kohli legacy + title wins
Mumbai Indians $242M $480M+ Continued dominance + global brand
Chennai Super Kings $235M $450M+ Post-Dhoni transition success
Kolkata Knight Riders $227M $420M+ SRK effect + international expansion
Sunrisers Hyderabad $154M $300M+ Sustained entertainment cricket

By 2030, experts predict the top 3 IPL franchises (RCB, MI, CSK) could each be worth $500 million, with the entire IPL ecosystem valued over $30 billion.

Cricket’s global growth, India’s rising economy, and sports entertainment convergence will drive this expansion.

FAQs

Which is the richest cricket franchise in the world?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is currently the richest cricket franchise with a brand value of $269 million in 2025, followed by Mumbai Indians at $242 million and Chennai Super Kings at $235 million, according to Houlihan Lokey’s IPL Brand Valuation Study.

Which IPL team has the most fans?

Chennai Super Kings has the largest and most loyal fan base with over 60 million followers across social media platforms. Their “Whistle Podu” fan army and MS Dhoni’s captaincy created unmatched emotional connections, though RCB’s Virat Kohli’s personal following of 270+ million also drives massive engagement.

Which franchise has won the most IPL titles?

Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are tied with 5 IPL titles each. Mumbai Indians won in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Chennai Super Kings won in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, making them cricket’s most successful franchises.

Why is IPL the biggest cricket league?

IPL is the biggest cricket league because of India’s 1.4 billion population, $18.5 billion total league value, $6.2 billion media rights deal, backing from India’s richest business houses, and perfect blend of cricket excellence with entertainment creating the world’s most valuable cricket property.

How much is the entire IPL worth?

The Indian Premier League’s overall business value is $18.5 billion with a standalone brand value of $3.9 billion in 2025, according to Houlihan Lokey. This makes IPL the second most valuable sports league globally by valuation growth, behind only the NFL.