IPL value reaches $20.6 billion in 2026 franchise sales

The business value of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has surged to $20.6 billion in 2026, marking a second consecutive year of double-digit growth, according to a new valuation study. The report, released by global investment bank Houlihan Lokey on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, highlights the league's accelerating commercial appeal, driven by landmark franchise sales and a massive digital audience.

The league's overall business enterprise value grew by 11.4% year-over-year, while its standalone brand value increased by 10.3% to $4.3 billion. Since 2023, the IPL has added more than $1.1 billion in brand value. The defining commercial events of the year were the record-setting sales of two franchises. In March, a consortium comprising Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group, and Times of India Group acquired Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for a league-record $1.78 billion. In May, the Mittal family and Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla purchased the Rajasthan Royals for $1.65 billion.

These transactions have reset franchise valuations across the league and underscored the IPL's ability to attract major global investors. Harsh Talikoti, a director in Houlihan...