Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings most valuable brands in IPL

Mumbai Indians is the most valuable Indian Premier League (IPL) brand, valued at $87 million, consultancy Brand Finance said.

A successful IPL season this year catapulted the total brand value of the IPL to $10.7 billion, a 28% jump from the previous year, the report said.

In 2009, the year Brand Finance started evaluating the league, the combined brand value of IPL was $2 billion. 

IPL has added the most value in the past two years, rising from $4.7 billion in 2021 to $10.7 billion in 2023. 

It’s important to note that ‘brand value’ refers not to the franchises’ monetary worth but to an estimation of their value as brands.

“The IPL brand stands as a guiding light to all other T20 leagues, illustrating how the business model can be successfully scaled up on a global level. Teams are proactively recruiting professionals to handle year- round player management, organize tournaments, and manage sponsor pools,” Hugo Hensley, head of sports services at Brand Finance, said. 

“The key to upholding the IPL brand lies in robust governance. The mother ship must remain steadfast and on course, ensuring a continuous commitment to value creation,” Hensley added. 

The top 10 IPL brands at a glance:

1. Mumbai Indians (MI)

London-based Brand Finance projected the value of Mumbai Indians at $87 million. Owned by Reliance Industries Ltd and currently captained by Rohit Sharma, Mumbai Indians have won five IPL trophies: in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. 

2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

CSK are the second most valuable IPL brand with a value of $81 million. CSK have won five IPLs in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, and are incidentally the strongest IPL brand, earning an AAA- rating from Brand Finance.

3. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan, KKR are two-time IPL champions, winning the trophy in 2012 and 2014. With a brand value of $78.6 million, they are currently the third most valuable brand in the IPL.

4. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

RCB remain a valuable brand despite having never won an IPL trophy. Currently valued at $69.8 million, RCB have been runners up in 2009, 2011, and 2016. A lot of brand value of the RCB has been attributed to the popularity of its captain, Virat Kohli.

5. Gujarat Titans (GT)

One of the two newest franchises that debuted in the IPL in the 2022 season, Gujarat Titans have secured the fifth position with a brand value of $65.4 million, a 38% jump from the previous year. The Hardik Pandya-led side won the IPL trophy in their debut season. GT are also the second Strongest IPL franchise brand, surpassed only by CSK.

6. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Formerly Delhi Daredevils, the franchise is jointly owned by the GMR Group and JSW Sports. With a brand value of $64.1 million, the team is the sixth most valuable brand in the IPL. They are yet to win an IPL trophy and their best performance came in 2020 when they finished runners up.

7. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

The champion of the debut IPL in 2008, RR are the seventh most valuable brand despite facing major setbacks and a ban in the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The brand is currently valued at $62.5 million.

8. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

With a brand value of $48.2 million, SRH are the eighth most valuable brand in the IPL. Debuting in 2013 following the termination of the Deccan Chargers, they won the IPL title in 2016.

9. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

One of the newest entrants in the IPL, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured ninth position with a brand value of $47 million. Brand Finance recognized LSG as the fastest growing IPL brand, up an impressive 48% from last year, despite starting with a relatively lower base.

10. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Co-owned by Bollywood actor Preity Zinta, Punjab Kings have not won any IPL trophy since their debut in 2008. Their best performance came in 2014 when they were runners up in the league. Their brand value currently stands at $45.3 million.