IPL Business Value Surges Over 11% to $20.6 Billion

Agency. The world's richest T-20 cricket competition Indian Premier League (IPL) commercial value has increased by more than 11 percent this year to 20.6 billion US dollars (approximately 283 billion Nepali rupees). According to the '2026 IPL Brand Valuation Study' released by US-based investment bank Houlihan Lokey on Wednesday, the IPL's commercial value has grown at a double-digit rate for the second consecutive year. Started in 2008, the IPL has now become the world's most popular twenty-20 cricket competition with 10 teams. The competition has developed a strong commercial model based on attracting the world's best cricketers, broadcasting rights, sponsorship, merchandising, and franchise investment. The change in ownership of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals this year has also confirmed the attraction of big investors to the IPL and the high market value of established teams, the study mentioned. The joint investors of Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group, and Times of India Group announced in March that they would buy the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise for 1.78 million US dollars (approximately 24 billion 47 crore 50 lakh Nepali rupees). Similarly, in May, the Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla announced that they would buy Rajasthan Royals for 1.65 million US dollars (approximately 22 billion 68 crore 75 lakh). According to Harsh Talikoti, Director of Houlihan Lokey's Financial and Valuation Advisory department, franchise valuations have reached new heights, private investment is growing rapidly, and the IPL's commercial structure is becoming more diverse. He said, 'IPL is a unique blend of sports, media, and consumer markets. Its stable revenue, organized cost structure, and expanding global viewership have made it even stronger.' According to him, recent large transactions have also shown that investors' confidence in the IPL's long-term commercial potential is even stronger. According to the study, the IPL's independent brand value has also increased by 10.3 percent compared to last year, reaching 4.3 billion US dollars (approximately Rs. 59 billion 12 crore 50 lakh). Current champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have become the most valuable franchise in the IPL with a brand value of 312 million US dollars (approximately 4 billion 29 crore).