The Indian Premier League has increased in value by 11% this year, solidifying its position as cricket’s number one T20 competition.
Published July 29, 2026
The business value of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the world’s richest Twenty20 series, has surged more than 11% this year to $20.6 billion, according to US-based investment bank Houlihan Lokey.
The increase reflects the second consecutive year of double-digit growth in IPL’s business value, Houlihan Lokey said in the 2026 IPL Brand Valuation Study on Wednesday.
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Since its inception in 2008, the competition, which currently consists of 10 teams, has consistently attracted some of the world’s best cricketers, while building a commercial model that combines broadcast revenue, sponsorship, merchandising and franchise investment.
Changes in ownership in the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals franchises earlier this year further proved the IPL’s appeal to big investors and the premium attached to established teams in the league.
A consortium comprising Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group and Times of India Group announced in March that it would buy the Bangalore franchise for a league-record $1.78 billion. Separately, in May, the Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla announced they would buy the state of 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 of Houlihan Lokey’s financial and valuation advisory practice.
“IPL represents a unique convergence of sports, media and consumer opportunities, supported by strong revenue visibility, a disciplined cost structure and a growing global audience.”
“These latest transactions further demonstrate that investors continue to have confidence in long-term value creation opportunities.”
IPL’s standalone brand value increased 10.3% over the past year to $4.3 billion. Reigning champions Bengaluru remain the league’s most valuable franchise, with a brand value of $312 million.
