Royal Challengers Bengaluru brutally beats CSK again in this competition
Published - 08 Jul 2025, 01:48 PM | Updated - 08 Jul 2025, 03:36 PM
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have overtaken Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to become the most valuable franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), following their maiden title win this season. Notably, the IPL's business valuation increased to $18.5 billion, placing it among the world’s most valuable sporting leagues.
Vijay Mallya purchased the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The team struggled to find a winning formula and failed to secure the title for a long time. It’s worth mentioning that Royal Challengers Bengaluru is now fully owned by United Spirits Limited, a company under the global beverage conglomerate Diageo.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Dethrone CSK as Most Valuable IPL Franchise
According to a recent brand valuation report by Houlihan Lokey, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have become the most valuable franchise in the Indian Premier League.
RCB's brand value rose to $269 million from $227 million in 2024. Mumbai Indians moved into second place with a valuation of $242 million, while Chennai Super Kings dropped to third at $235 million after a disappointing season. The MS Dhoni-led team finished at the bottom of the table.
Punjab Kings recorded the highest growth among all teams, with their brand value rising by 39.6% to $141 million. The Shreyas Iyer-led team had an impressive run to the final but fell short against the Rajat Patidar-led side.
The IPL 2025 recorded massive viewership numbers despite a brief mid-season suspension caused by regional tensions. JioHotstar logged a staggering 1.37 billion views during the opening weekend from March 22 to 24, along with 21.8 billion minutes of total watch time.
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Most Valued IPL Teams (in USD) - Houlihan Lokey:
| Rank | Team | Valuation (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | $269 Million |
| 2 | Mumbai Indians | $242 Million |
| 3 | Chennai Super Kings | $235 Million |
| 4 | Kolkata Knight Riders | $227 Million |
| 5 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | $154 Million |
| 6 | Delhi Capitals | $152 Million |
| 7 | Rajasthan Royals | $146 Million |
| 8 | Gujarat Titans | $142 Million |
| 9 | Punjab Kings | $141 Million |
| 10 | Lucknow Super Giants | $122 Million |
The IPL Continues to Set Benchmarks in Sports Business - Houlihan Lokey
The Indian Premier League's business valuation rose by 12.9% to $18.5 billion (₹1.56 trillion) in 2025. Notably, the league's brand value also jumped 13.8% to $3.9 billion, fueled by record-breaking viewership, soaring ad revenues, and strong investor confidence.
Advertising revenues surged by 50% to $600 million compared to the previous year. The BCCI furthered its financial standing with ₹1,485 crore from sponsorships with brands such as My11Circle, Angel One, RuPay, and CEAT. Tata also renewed its title sponsorship in a $300 million deal lasting through 2028.
“The IPL continues to set benchmarks in sports business,” said Harsh Talikoti, Director, financial and valuation advisory at Houlihan Lokey. “It’s a high-yield, multi-asset class with diversified risks, and a catalyst for cricket’s global transformation.”
The IPL is transforming into a sports media enterprise. With the sport scheduled to feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and rising interest from global investors, the league is expected to enhance revenue models.
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Sai Vaitla is an author at Cricketaddictor and he has been working since September 2022. Sai Vaitla... Read more
