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IPL teams score big in the global valuation game

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Franchise valuations have surged nearly 1,800% since the league started in 2008, when the founding teams fetched an average of only $90 million. Today, the Board of Control for Cricket in India distributes central revenue that provides roughly three-fourths of each club's income, yielding between $50 million and $55 million of their $74.4 million average revenue. Recent high-value ownership buyouts involving major industrial conglomerates and private equity funds demonstrate sustained investor appetite. Profitability remains highly protected thanks to cost controls on player spending alongside revenue from local stadium tickets and merchandise.

Key points

  • Central league distributions represent about three-fourths of total earnings for individu…: Central league distributions represent about three-fourths of total earnings for individual franchise operations.
  • Long-term valuation growth for the cricket league has outpaced the expansion rates of bot…: Long-term valuation growth for the cricket league has outpaced the expansion rates of both the NFL and the NBA.
  • Controlled player expenses and access to state-owned stadiums ensure consistent financial…: Controlled player expenses and access to state-owned stadiums ensure consistent financial margins across every club.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Mumbai Indians tops Sportico's rankings for 2026 at $2.1 billion, followed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at $1.85 billion. Chennai Super Kings is valued at $1.75 billion, Kolkata Knight Riders at $1.73 billion and Delhi Capitals at $1.7 billion. Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad are valued at $1.65 billion and $1.62 billion, respectively. Gujarat Titans is worth $1.58 billion, while Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants are valued at $1.53 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively.

The valuations follow two major ownership transactions in 2026. A consortium comprising the Aditya Birla Group, Bolt Ventures, The Times of India (publishers of The Economic Times) and a fund managed by Blackstone agreed to acquire RCB for approximately $1.78 billion. Rajasthan Royals was acquired by a group involving Lakshmi Mittal and Adar Poonawalla in a deal valued at $1.65 billion.

The IPL's valuations have risen sharply since its launch in 2008, when the original eight franchises were sold for a combined $724 million, or an average of about $90 million each. Mumbai Indians attracted the highest bid at $112 million, while Rajasthan Royals were…

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