Royal Challengers Bengaluru topped the 2025 wealth rankings at $269 million after winning their first IPL championship in 18 years.
This historic victory against Punjab Kings in the final boosted RCB’s brand value by 18.5%, overtaking longtime leaders Mumbai Indians ($242 million) and Chennai Super Kings ($235 million).
According to the Houlihan Lokey Brand Valuation Report 2025, the IPL’s total business value reached $18.5 billion, with individual franchise values ranging from $122 million to $269 million. Punjab Kings showed the highest growth at 39.6% despite losing the final.
This complete ranking covers all 10 teams with their exact 2025 valuations based on official reports, championship impact, and financial drivers.
IPL 2026 Team Valuations: Complete Rankings
Here are all 10 IPL teams ranked by brand value:
| Rank | Team | 2025 Valuation | YoY Change | Championships | Key Factor |
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | $269 million | +18.5% | 1 (2025) | First title breakthrough |
| 2 | Mumbai Indians | $242 million | +18.6% | 5 | Reliance backing, consistent success |
| 3 | Chennai Super Kings | $235 million | +1.7% | 5 | MS Dhoni legacy, loyal fanbase |
| 4 | Kolkata Knight Riders | $222 million | +3.3% | 3 | Shah Rukh Khan ownership, celebrity appeal |
| 5 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | $154 million | +1.3% | 1 | Regional stronghold, Sun TV backing |
| 6 | Delhi Capitals | $152 million | +6.3% | 0 | Capital city advantages, GMR-JSW backing |
| 7 | Rajasthan Royals | $146 million | +5.8% | 1 | Young talent development, analytics focus |
| 8 | Gujarat Titans | $142 million | +0.7% | 1 | 2022 debut champions, CVC Partners backing |
| 9 | Punjab Kings | $141 million | +39.6% | 0 | Final appearance, Shreyas Iyer leadership |
| 10 | Lucknow Super Giants | $122 million | +6.1% | 0 | Rishabh Pant acquisition, RPSG Group backing |
The combined value of all IPL franchises reached $1.925 billion in 2025, reflecting the league’s continued commercial growth despite market corrections in some sectors.
Top 5 Richest Teams: What Makes Them Valuable
#1) Royal Challengers Bengaluru ($269 Million)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s historic first IPL title in 2025 under captain Rajat Patidar catapulted them to the top of franchise valuations. They defeated Punjab Kings by 6 runs in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium, ending an 18-year championship drought that had become cricket’s longest wait.
The franchise benefits from cricket’s largest fanbase – over 40 million followers across social platforms. According to ESPNCricinfo’s match report, their victory was sealed by key contributions from Krunal Pandya (Player of the Match) and veteran performers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood.
RCB‘s brand value exploded 18.5% after the championship because sponsors finally saw championship ROI. United Spirits Limited, their current owner, initiated a strategic review of their stake, though this won’t affect IPL 2026 operations.
Virat Kohli’s emotional celebration after the win became iconic, with the veteran star bringing Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers onto the podium to share the moment.
#2) Mumbai Indians ($242 Million)
Mumbai Indians maintained their position as cricket’s second-most valuable franchise despite missing the 2025 playoffs. Five championships between 2013-2020 built unshakeable commercial value that transcends short-term performance dips.
Reliance Industries and Mukesh Ambani’s ownership ($92.8 billion net worth) provides unlimited financial backing. According to Houlihan Lokey’s report, MI recorded 18.6% growth in 2025 despite on-field struggles, showing brand resilience.
The team’s commercial appeal remains strong through partnerships with Samsung, DHL, and JioCinema. Their Wankhede Stadium advantage and global “Yankees of cricket” recognition maintain premium sponsor rates. Recent acquisitions and strategic rebuilding position them for 2026 resurgence.
#3) Chennai Super Kings ($235 Million)
Chennai Super Kings built their wealth on consistency. They’ve reached the playoffs 12 times in 16 seasons, including five championship runs. That predictable success creates predictable revenue.
MS Dhoni’s leadership generates fan loyalty that transcends cricket. CSK supporters follow the team religiously, buying merchandise and filling stadiums regardless of performance. India Cements’ ownership provides stable corporate backing.
The franchise took a small hit after missing the 2025 playoffs, but their brand value remains solid. Sponsors know CSK will bounce back – they always do.
#4) Kolkata Knight Riders ($222 Million)
Kolkata Knight Riders combine Bollywood glamour with cricket success. Shah Rukh Khan’s ownership brings massive media attention and global recognition beyond traditional cricket audiences.
Three championships (2012, 2014, 2024) validate the investment, while Eden Gardens creates an unmatched home atmosphere. The celebrity factor attracts sponsors wanting entertainment industry crossover appeal.
Recent struggles on the field haven’t hurt their commercial appeal. KKR’s brand transcends performance because of star power and marketing savvy.
#5) Sunrisers Hyderabad ($154 Million)
Sunrisers Hyderabad posted the biggest percentage gain at 76%, jumping from $87 million to $154 million. Their improved performance and strategic roster building caught investor attention.
Sun TV Network’s backing provides media expertise and regional stronghold advantages in South India. They’ve built a loyal fanbase despite limited success, with their 2016 championship providing long-term credibility.
The franchise benefits from lower operational costs in Hyderabad while maintaining competitive on-field investment. Smart management and focused regional marketing drive their growth.
Bottom 5 Teams: Growth Potential Analysis
6) Delhi Capitals ($152 Million)
Delhi Capitals rank sixth despite never winning a championship. Their dual ownership structure with GMR Group and JSW Group provides strong corporate backing and capital city advantages.
Playing in Delhi gives them access to India’s power center, attracting government and corporate sponsorships. Recent playoff appearances built credibility, though they need a title to break into the top tier.
The franchise consistently develops young Indian talent, creating long-term value through player trading and strategic roster construction.
7) Rajasthan Royals ($146 Million)
Rajasthan Royals trade on their fairy-tale 2008 inaugural championship under Shane Warne. That David vs. Goliath story still resonates with fans and sponsors.
Manoj Badale’s ownership brings analytical sophistication and data-driven decision making. They’ve pioneered several IPL innovations in analytics and player development.
Regional support in Rajasthan remains strong, though they need consistent playoff appearances to grow their national fanbase and commercial appeal.
8) Gujarat Titans ($142 Million)
Gujarat Titans achieved instant credibility by winning the 2022 championship in their debut season. That immediate success attracted sponsors and validated their business model.
CVC Capital Partners and Torrent Group’s joint ownership provides financial stability and business expertise. Playing in Ahmedabad gives them regional stronghold advantages.
As the newest successful franchise, they’re building brand recognition and fan loyalty from scratch. Consistent performance will determine their growth trajectory.
9) Punjab Kings ($141 Million)
Punjab Kings achieved their highest-ever valuation growth at 39.6% after reaching the IPL 2025 final under captain Shreyas Iyer. They topped the league stage with 9 wins before losing to RCB in both Qualifier 1 and the final.
Iyer’s ₹26.75 crore acquisition proved transformational, generating massive social media engagement and demonstrating ownership commitment. This marked PBKS’s second final appearance in IPL history, with their previous finals loss coming in 2014.
Despite the final defeat, Preity Zinta’s celebrity ownership continues generating consistent media attention. Their “nearly there” narrative finally evolved into genuine championship contention, attracting new sponsors and validating their aggressive auction strategies.
10) Lucknow Super Giants ($122 Million)
Lucknow Super Giants round out the rankings but showed growth potential. RPSG Group paid ₹7,090 crore for the franchise rights in 2021, the highest IPL expansion fee ever.
Rishabh Pant’s ₹27 crore acquisition generated massive social media engagement and demonstrated ownership commitment. Dr. Sanjeev Goenka’s business expertise guides strategic decision-making.
As the newest franchise, they’re still building regional identity and national recognition. Consistent playoff appearances would accelerate their growth significantly.
Biggest Valuation Changes: 2024 vs 2025
Several franchises experienced dramatic valuation swings based on performance and strategic decisions:
Biggest Winners:
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: +76% ($87M to $154M) – Improved performance and strategic roster building
- Punjab Kings: +49% ($94M to $141M) – Final appearance and star acquisitions
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: +20% ($227M to $269M) – Historic first championship
Minimal Changes:
- Mumbai Indians: -2% ($246M to $242M) – Poor 2025 performance offset by strong brand
- Chennai Super Kings: +2% ($231M to $235M) – Brand loyalty maintained despite playoff miss
Steady Growth:
- Delhi Capitals: +6% ($143M to $152M) – Consistent competitiveness
- Rajasthan Royals: +6% ($138M to $146M) – Young talent development
- Lucknow Super Giants: +6% ($115M to $122M) – Strategic player investments
The data shows championship success creates immediate valuation spikes, while sustained competitiveness provides steady growth. Poor performance hurts less when brands are established.
2026 Predictions: Which Teams Will Rise
Royal Challengers Bengaluru faces uncertainty with United Spirits exploring a sale. New ownership could bring fresh investment or strategic changes affecting their top ranking.
Mumbai Indians remains well-positioned for value recovery. Rohit Sharma’s return and strategic team building could restore their #1 position if they return to playoff contention.
Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad show the highest growth potential. Both demonstrated that strategic management and performance improvements translate directly into valuation increases.
League expansion rumors suggest two new franchises could join by 2027. This would increase overall league value while potentially diluting individual team market share.
The IPL’s global expansion into other leagues (MI London, Sunrisers Leeds) could boost parent franchise values through international brand recognition and revenue streams.
Key Factors to Watch:
- RCB ownership transition impact
- MI’s performance recovery
- Continued growth from Punjab Kings and SRH
- New franchise expansion effects
- International league success influence
Championship success remains the fastest way to boost valuations, but consistent competitiveness and smart business management provide sustainable long-term growth.
FAQs
Which IPL team is richest in 2025?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru is the richest IPL team in 2025 with a brand value of $269 million, overtaking Mumbai Indians ($242M) and Chennai Super Kings ($235M) after winning their first IPL title.
Who is the richest IPL team owner?
Mukesh Ambani, owner of Mumbai Indians through Reliance Industries, is the richest IPL owner with a net worth of $92.8 billion, significantly ahead of other franchise owners.
Is Mumbai Indians richer than CSK?
Mumbai Indians ($242M brand value) is currently richer than Chennai Super Kings ($235M) in 2025, though both teams have similar five-title championship success and strong commercial backing.
Which team earns the most money in IPL?
Revenue varies by season, but Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings typically generate the highest revenue through championship success, large fan bases, and premium sponsorship deals.
Is RCB richer than CSK now?
Yes, RCB’s brand value of $269 million now exceeds CSK’s $235 million after their 2025 championship win boosted their valuation by 18.5%, making them the richest IPL franchise for the first time.
How much are IPL teams worth?
IPL team valuations range from $122 million (Lucknow Super Giants) to $269 million (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), with total league franchise value exceeding $1.9 billion in 2025.
What makes an IPL team valuable?
Championship success, owner wealth, fan base size, sponsorship deals, consistent performance, celebrity ownership, and broadcast revenue sharing all contribute to IPL team valuations.
Which teams had the biggest valuation increases?
Sunrisers Hyderabad (+76%), Punjab Kings (+49%), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (+20%) had the largest valuation increases in 2025 based on improved performance and strategic decisions.
Do new IPL teams struggle financially?
Gujarat Titans proved new teams can succeed quickly by winning the 2022 championship in their debut season. Lucknow Super Giants shows steady growth despite being the newest franchise.
Last Updated: January 2026 with post-IPL 2025 season data
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