The Indian Premier League (IPL) has reached a major milestone in 2025. According to recent reports, the IPL’s overall business value has climbed to $18.5 billion, marking a growth of 13% compared to last year’s valuation of $16.4 billion. This increase reflects the IPL’s rising popularity and strong business model, making it one of the most valuable sports leagues in the world.
Media Rights Drive Growth
A big reason for the IPL’s growth is its massive media rights deal signed in 2022 for the 2023-2027 cycle. The combined value of television and digital rights is close to $6.2 billion.
- Television rights are held by Star Sports.
- Digital rights belong to Viacom18, which streams matches on platforms like JioCinema.
This deal has made IPL matches some of the most-watched sporting events globally, with millions of viewers tuning in every season.
RCB Becomes IPL’s Most Valuable Team
A major highlight is that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has surpassed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to become the most valuable franchise in the IPL.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) valuation: $269 million
- Mumbai Indians valuation (MI): $242 million
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK) valuation: $235 million
RCB’s rise in value is impressive, boosted further by winning their first IPL title this year. The team benefits from:
- A huge and passionate fan base
- Strong presence on social media
- High merchandise sales
- Solid sponsorship deals
Despite CSK’s consistent on-field success and five IPL titles, RCB’s strong brand and fan engagement have helped them take the top spot this year.
Sponsorships and Fan Engagement
Sponsorships are another big part of the IPL’s business. Brands are eager to associate with the league because it attracts millions of viewers from India and around the world. In the 2025 season, sponsorship revenue for the league and franchises continued to grow, driven by:
- Increased digital advertising
- Stadium sponsorships and activations
- Brand collaborations with teams and players
Financial Stability for Franchises
- A portion of central revenue distributed by the BCCI, including earnings from media rights
- Local sponsorship deals
- Ticket sales and hospitality packages
- Merchandise sales
This business model makes IPL teams attractive to investors. Even recently formed teams like Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants have rapidly gained substantial value.
IPL’s Future Looks Strong
Experts believe the IPL could become a $20 billion business within the next couple of years. Factors driving this growth include:
- Rising viewership in India and overseas
- Expanding digital streaming markets
- New sponsorship opportunities
- Possible international expansion of the IPL brand
Despite economic challenges worldwide, the IPL continues to show that cricket is not just a sport in India, it’s a multi-billion-dollar business that keeps getting bigger every year.
Conclusion
The IPL’s rise to a business worth $18.5 billion shows how cricket in India has transformed into a powerful economic force. With RCB now leading as the most valuable franchise after winning their first title, the league continues to grow both in value and popularity. As sponsorships increase and digital audiences expand, the future of the IPL looks brighter than ever, promising even bigger milestones in the years to come.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
