Virat Kohli MS Dhoni Rohit Sharma Hardik Pandya for RCB CSK MI. Image Credits: X/AFPRoyal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have left Chennai Super Kings (CSK) behind in one of the most popular metrics on which the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are measured. This came after the global investment bank Houlihan Lokey released its 2026 IPL Brand Valuation Study, revealing the Indian Premier League's business enterprise value.The value of the IPL as a tournament and business entity has grown 11.4% year-on-year to $20.6 billion (Rs 197,024.68 crore). This is the second year in a row that there has been double-digit growth. Simultaneously, the league's standalone brand value increased by 10.3% to $4.3 billion (Rs 41,106 crore), a rise of more than $1.1 billion since 2023.This solidified the league's position as one of the top sporting brands in the world, trailing only the NFL on a per-match valuation basis.Royal Challengers Bengaluru becomes the most valuable franchise in the Indian Premier LeagueRoyal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was bought by a consortium including Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group, and Times of India Group for a record $1.78 billion. And thanks to this, RCB has retained its top position as the IPL's most valuable franchise.RCB, who won the IPL twice in a row in 2025 and 2026, becoming only the third team after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to do so, have a brand value of US $312.0 million, up 16.0% from US $269.0 million in 2025. RCB also became the first cricket team to cross the US$ 300.0 million brand value mark.Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Enters ICC Rankings, Shubman Gill Becomes Number 1Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super Kings follow nextMumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super Kings follow Royal Challengers Bengaluru at nos. 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The five-time IPL champions MI recorded a brand value of US$264.0 million, up 9.1% from US$242.0 million in 2025. Despite their 9th spot finish, MI maintained strong brand resilience.KKR, ranked third, increased its brand value from US$227.0 million in 2025 to US$245.0 million, a 7.9% increase. The commercial momentum created by their 2024 championship victory continued to help the club.With a brand value of US$244.0 million, which represents growth of 3.8% year over year, Chennai Super Kings ranked fourth. However, their commercial momentum slowed after a second consecutive poor season on the field and a diminished role for MS Dhoni.Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s performance in IPL 2026Sunrisers Hyderabad came in at no. 5; Rajasthan Royals, another franchise that was sold to new buyers, came in at no. 6; Punjab Kings finished at no. 7 in brand valuation, while Gujarat Titans came in at no. 8. Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants were the two bottom-ranked franchises in brand valuation.Meanwhile, Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their Indian Premier League crown. RCB had finished on no. 1 in the points table with 9 wins and 5 losses with 18 points to their name. They then defeated Gujarat Titans in the final of the IPL 2026 by 5 wickets in Ahmedabad to become two-time IPL champions.Also Read: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s Bid For 2027 World Cup Gets Amplified
