IPL business value climbs to $20.6bn in 2026 study
Houlihan Lokey says the IPL’s business value rose more than 11%, helped by investor demand for established cricket franchises.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
2 min read
The IPL business value has risen to $20.6bn this year, up more than 11%, according to a 2026 valuation study by United States-based investment bank Houlihan Lokey. The figure underscores the continued commercial pull of India’s top Twenty20 cricket league as franchise deals attract large private investors.
Reuters reported that Houlihan Lokey described the Indian Premier League as the world’s richest Twenty20 series. The bank said Wednesday that the latest increase marked the league’s second straight year of double-digit growth in business value.
What is the IPL worth in 2026?
Houlihan Lokey put the league’s overall business value at $20.6bn in its “2026 IPL Brand Valuation Study.” The bank also said the IPL’s standalone brand value rose 10.3% over the past year to $4.3bn.
Reuters reported that the IPL has grown from its 2008 launch into a 10-team competition that draws leading international cricketers. Its commercial model, according to Reuters, is built around broadcast income, sponsorship, merchandising and franchise investment.
The valuation report came after two major franchise ownership deals earlier this year. Reuters reported that those transactions showed the price investors are willing to pay for established IPL teams.
In March, a consortium including Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group and Times of India Group said it would buy Royal Challengers Bengaluru for $1.78bn, according to Reuters. Reuters reported that the deal set a league record.
In May, the Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla said they would acquire Rajasthan Royals for $1.65bn, Reuters reported. The two deals added fresh evidence of investor demand for league assets with established fan bases and commercial operations.
Why are IPL franchises attracting investors?
Harsh Talikoti, a director in Houlihan Lokey’s financial and valuation advisory business, said franchise valuations have moved to new highs and private capital has become more active in the league. He also said the IPL’s commercial base is broadening.
Talikoti said the league combines sport, media and consumer opportunity, supported by visible revenue, controlled costs and a growing global audience. He said the recent franchise transactions showed continued investor confidence in the league’s long-term value.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the reigning champions, remain the IPL’s most valuable franchise by brand value, according to Houlihan Lokey. The bank valued Bengaluru’s brand at $312m.
Reuters reported that Bengaluru’s status follows a season in which Virat Kohli and his teammates celebrated the franchise’s IPL title. Houlihan Lokey’s figures show that the club’s on-field profile sits alongside a wider surge in the league’s commercial worth.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.