Royal Challengers Bengaluru have become the first IPL franchise to surpass the $300 million mark in brand value, topping the latest Houlihan Lokey 2026 IPL Brand Valuation Study.
RCB’s brand value has climbed to $312 million, a 16% increase from $269 million in 2025, making them the league’s most valuable franchise ahead of Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.
The rise comes after a landmark year for the franchise, which also changed ownership in a record $1.78 billion deal.
RCB widen lead at the top
According to the report, RCB’s valuation reflects a combination of sustained on-field success, one of the IPL’s most engaged fan bases and a mature commercial ecosystem.
The franchise became the first in IPL history to cross the $300 million valuation milestone.
Mumbai Indians, KKR complete top three
Five-time champions Mumbai Indians remain second despite finishing ninth in IPL 2026.
Their brand value increased 9.1% year-on-year to $264 million, with the report attributing their commercial resilience to a strong legacy, institutional ownership and long-standing sponsorship partnerships.
Kolkata Knight Riders occupy third place with a valuation of $245 million, up 7.9% from last year.
The report credits the franchise’s continued commercial growth to the momentum generated by its 2024 IPL title and its strong digital engagement under high-profile ownership.
CSK drop to fourth
Chennai Super Kings slipped to fourth despite registering modest growth.
Their brand value rose 3.8% to $244 million, but the report noted that two consecutive disappointing seasons and MS Dhoni’s reduced on-field role had slowed the franchise’s commercial momentum.
While CSK remain one of the IPL’s strongest legacy brands, the study highlighted that the team’s ongoing generational transition could play a significant role in shaping its future valuation.
Full IPL franchise brand value rankings (2026)
| Rank | Franchise | Brand Value | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | $312 million | +16.0% |
| 2 | Mumbai Indians | $264 million | +9.1% |
| 3 | Kolkata Knight Riders | $245 million | +7.9% |
| 4 | Chennai Super Kings | $244 million | +3.8% |
| 5 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | $168 million | +9.1% |
| 6 | Rajasthan Royals | $161 million | +10.3% |
| 7 | Punjab Kings | $158 million | +12.1% |
| 8 | Gujarat Titans | $157 million | +10.6% |
| 9 | Delhi Capitals | $156 million | +2.6% |
| 10 | Lucknow Super Giants | $122 million | Flat |
Among the remaining franchises, Sunrisers Hyderabad climbed to fifth following consecutive playoff appearances, while Rajasthan Royals benefited from both a strong on-field campaign and growing commercial interest surrounding teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Punjab Kings posted one of the highest annual growth rates despite narrowly missing the playoffs, while Gujarat Titans continued their rapid commercial rise after reaching a third IPL final in five seasons.
Lucknow Super Giants remained the league’s least valuable franchise at $122 million following a disappointing campaign that ended with Rishabh Pant stepping down as captain after the season.
Story first published: Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 16:00 [IST]
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