Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cemented its status as the most valuable franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), became the first cricket team in history to break the US$300 million brand value mark.According to global investment bank Houlihan Lokey’s 2026 IPL Brand Valuation Study, RCB retained its No. 1 rank with a brand valuation of US$312 million (approx. Rs 2,600 crore), marking a 16% jump from US$269 million in 2025. The report highlights that RCB’s high valuation curve reflects the compounding effect of continued field performance, industry-leading engagement, and a digitally mature commercial ecosystem.The valuation benchmark comes after a significant ownership transaction earlier this year, where RCB was acquired by a consortium comprising Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group, and Times of India Group for a reported valuation of US$1.78 billion — the most expensive single-franchise transaction in IPL history.
‘RCB’s fanbase intensity and connection is unmatched’
Highlighting the rationale behind the marquee acquisition, Satyan Gajwani, co-owner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chairman of Times Internet, noted the unparalleled strength of the franchise community.“We are actively involved in the processes for RCB and Rajasthan Royals, and both are great assets. Across the league, however, the fanbase intensity and connection with RCB is unmatched, making this a special opportunity,” said Satyan Gajwani.The long-term runway for Indian cricket as a global asset class is highlighted, Gajwani added. “Overall, we are firm believers in the growth potential of cricket as a global sport, and the exposure at the media level and IP level fits the thesis. The IPL has the attention of the NFL with a small portion of its monetization, and as per-capita income in India grows and connected TV penetration increases, we expect monetization to match the attention. We are very grateful to be able to work with incredible partners at RCB, and we all believe in both the opportunity for the IPL to continue to grow, as well as for RCB to create a truly global brand and fan equity.
The business of the IPL reached $20.6 billion
RCB’s surge comes amid record growth for the league as a whole. The total business value of the IPL business grew 11.4% year-on-year to US$20.6 billion, while its standalone brand value increased 10.3% to US$4.3 billion.Behind RCB in the brand value rankings are Mumbai Indians at No. 2 (US$264 million; +7.9%) and Chennai Super Kings at No. 3 (US$244 million; +3.8%).The report attributes the overall growth in the league’s valuation to the growing confidence of institutional investors, rapid adoption of Connected TV (CTV), and strong revenue visibility, as global capital increasingly views IPL franchises as long-term sports and entertainment powerhouses.