The Indian Premier League (IPL) has evolved beyond just a cricket league; it has become a global economic brand. In 2025, the IPL witnessed a historic jump in its brand value, driven not only by the passion for the sport but also by a powerful business model that has astonished the world.
IPL Brand Value: The Indian Premier League (IPL), which began in 2008, is no longer just a cricket tournament, but a global sports brand. Within a few years, this league has emerged as the richest and most popular cricket league in the world. Its impact has not been limited to cricket alone; it has also established a b foothold in the world of sports, entertainment, and business.
Until 2021, a total of 8 teams played in the IPL, but in the 2022 season, the league expanded to include 2 new teams – Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, bringing the total number of teams to 10.
Record-Breaking Brand Value in 2025
According to a recent report by Houlihan Lokey, a renowned global investment bank, the IPL's brand value has now reached $18.5 billion (approximately ₹1,58,000 crore). This figure is not only significantly higher than in previous years but also exceeds the GDP of many small countries. This brand value saw an increase of 12.9 percent. Notably, this growth occurred during a time of global economic instability.
RCB Takes the Lead, Becomes the Most Expensive Franchise
The IPL has now become a platform that earns thousands of crores every year through advertising, sponsorships, media rights, and the franchise model, not just cricket. In 2025, the BCCI recorded sales of ₹1,485 crore through four major sponsors - My11Circle, Angel One, RuPay, and CEAT. This is 25% more than last year, making it clear that the business appeal of the IPL is increasing.
In IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) not only won the tournament for the first time but also surpassed all other teams in terms of brand value.
- RCB's Brand Value: ₹2,304 crore
- Mumbai Indians (MI): ₹2,073 crore
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK): ₹2,013 crore
This leap by RCB is also considered special because its value was previously below ₹2,000 crore. The team's first title, the return of Virat Kohli, and brand strategy led to a huge jump in its market value.
Punjab Kings Surprises, Fastest Growth
Punjab Kings has achieved the largest percentage gain in brand value, with its value increasing by 39.6 percent. Although the team did not reach the final, the team's rebranding, the performance of young players, and marketing campaigns brought them significant business benefits. Considering the success of IPL 2025, Tata Group has extended its association with the IPL until 2028. This agreement not only reflects the league's stability but also indicates that India's largest companies consider this cricket league a long-term investment.
IPL vs. Economies of Small Countries
In a global context, the current brand value of the IPL, exceeding $18.5 billion, is greater than the annual GDP of many small countries. For example:
- Fiji's GDP: Approximately $5 billion
- Bhutan's GDP: About $3 billion
- Maldives' GDP: Approximately $6.5 billion
This comparison makes it clear that the IPL has become more than just a cricket tournament; it is a symbol of global branding, entertainment, and commercialization.
