IPL 2026: League's valuation plummets 20% in 2025; RCB overtakes CSK after maiden title

The Indian Premier League (IPL) ecosystem brand value plummeted 20 per cent to $9.6 billion in 2025 from $12 billion in 2024, according to data from Brand Finance.

The key driver of such a nosedive was the geopolitical situation in the region. The league was stopped midway in May due to India's Operation Sindoor and the subsequent tensions with Pakistan.

Another major reason is the uncertainty over the mega-auction. Several teams objected to rebuilding their squads for the 2025 season, raising questions over the mega-auction in the future.

This is the only other year the IPL's ecosystem value has gone down since Brand Finance began valuating the cricket league.

However, according to D&P Advisory, IPL's value has fallen for a second straight year. It placed the cash-rich tournament at Rs 76,100 crore ($8.8 billion) in 2025 compared with Rs 82,700 crore $9.9 billion in 2024 and Rs 92,500 crore $11.2 billion in 2023.

The reasons for the decline including the government's ban on real-money gaming sponsorships.

Valuation of teams

Among teams, Gujarat Titans was the only franchise that saw a positive growth in 2025, according to Brand Finance. Meanwhile, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru overtook Chennai Super Kings to become the second most valued team, while Mumbai Indians continued to occupy the first spot.

Here are the teams and their valuations:

Mumbai Indians: $108 million

MI emerged as the most valuable IPL franchise at $108 million, even after declining 9 per cent in the last year. It regained the spot that had been lost to CSK in 2024. A late-season resurgence ensured a fourth spot finish and a playoff spot. It was added with a loyal fanbase, strong commercial partnerships, and brilliant on-field performance.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: $105 million

RCB jumped to the second spot after having won their first title in 18 years. However, the valuation of $105 million is 10 per cent lower than what it was in 2024.

Chennai Super Kings: $93 million

CSK's worst ever finish at the bottom of the table had a massive hit on the brand. It saw a 24 per cent drop to $93 million. The team dropped to the third position from being top ranked last year. With the legendary MS Dhoni’s transition entering its second year, uncertainties around team composition, leadership clarity and player combinations have contributed to inconsistent performances throughout the season, according to the report.

Kolkata Knight Riders: $74 million

KKR were the champions in 2024 but could nit replicate the same in 2025, finishing in the bottom three. composition of the team and leadership affected the performance. As a result, the franchise's valuation dipped 33 per cent to $74 million. However, it retained its position at fourth.

Gujarat Titans: $ 70 million

With a valuation of $70 million, GT is the only team that produced a positive growth and rose from the eighth position to fifth. A Strategic auction with a core built around Shubman Gill and the ability to perform under pressure have reinforced the team’s reputation and commercial appeal, the report added.

Punjab Kings: $66 million

With a runner-up finish, Punjab Kings leapfrogged from ninth with a valuation of $66 million. However, this is a 3 per cent decline. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings topped the league stage and was seen as a strong contender for the championship, enhancing both its on-field and commercial profile.

Lucknow Super Giants: $59 million

LSG, which was ranked last in 2024, made a jump to seventh with a brand value of $59 million, a decline of 2 per cent. The team entered the season with high expectations following big auction picks, Rishabh Pant at Rs 27 crore and David Miller However, the team struggled at key moments, finishing in the bottom half of the league stage.

Delhi Capitals: $59 million

A 26 per cent decline to $59 million meant DC went from seventh to eigth this year. Led by Axar Patel, the team was stengthed with players like KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc and Kuldeep Yadav. However, after a strong start, it faltered in the second half to finish fifth and narrowly missing out on the playoffs.

SunRisers Hyderabad: $56 million

Runner-ups in 2024 meant the team was placed fifth. However, poor performance in 2025 and a bottom half finish led the value to lunge 34 per cent to $56 million.

Rajasthan Royals: $53 million

Rajasthan Royals saw a decline of 35 per cent to $53 million, placing it at the bottom of the valuation list. Leadership issues and poor performances have contributed to the nosedive.