IPL’s business value rockets to $20bn as India cricket league soars

IPL’s business value rockets to $20bn as India cricket league soarsIndian Premier League cements its place as cricket’s number one T20 competition with an 11% rise in value this year.The business value of the Indian Premier League (IPL), ⁠the world’s ⁠richest Twenty20 series, has soared more than 11 percent to $20.6bn this year, according to United States-based investment bank Houlihan Lokey.The increase reflected a ⁠second consecutive year of double-digit growth in the ⁠IPL’s business value, Houlihan Lokey said in its “2026 IPL Brand Valuation Study” on Wednesday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4FIFA proposes plan to sell stakes in the World Cup, angering UEFAlist 2 of 4World Cup: For India football, qualification is still just a distant dreamlist 3 of 4Football: Roberto Mancini named Italy head coach for second timelist 4 of 4France legend Zinedine Zidane confirmed as new national team managerend of listSince ⁠its launch in 2008, the now 10-team competition has consistently attracted leading world cricketers while building a commercial model that combines ⁠broadcast revenues, sponsorship, merchandising and franchise investment.Ownership changes at its Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals franchises earlier this year further demonstrated the IPL’s appeal to big investors and the premium attached to established ‌teams within the league.A consortium comprising Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group and India-group" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="173862" data-entity-type="organization">Times of India Group said in March it would acquire the Bengaluru franchise for a league-record $1.78bn. Separately, in May, the Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla said they would buy Rajasthan for $1.65bn.“Franchise valuations have reached new highs, private capital participation has accelerated, and the ⁠league’s commercial ecosystem continues to diversify,” said Harsh Talikoti, a director in Houlihan Lokey’s financial and valuation advisory business.“The IPL represents a ⁠unique convergence of sport, media, and consumer opportunity, underpinned by strong revenue visibility, disciplined cost structures, and an expanding global audience.”