Brand Finance values the IPL at $9.6 billion for 2025, a 20 percent drop from the prior year despite generating 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs across India. Nearly every franchise suffered declines, with Gujarat Titans the lone outlier posting a 2 percent gain. An earlier D&P Advisory analysis echoed the trend, estimating an 8 percent overall dip.
Marquee Franchises Post Sharp Drops
Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings, enduring crowd favorites, each recorded double-digit brand value losses. CSK fell 24 percent to $93 million following a challenging season capped by a mid-season leadership switch and a last-place finish. RCB dropped 10 percent to $105 million even as it advanced to second in rankings, swapping spots with CSK; a stampede in Bengaluru during its victory parade killed 11 people, tainting perceptions.
Perception and Governance Weigh Heavy
Ajimon Francis, managing director of Brand Finance India, attributes part of the slide to intangible factors like public sentiment from the incident and franchise responses. Sponsors remain interested now, but future deals could falter over governance and ethics concerns. Valuation blends financials with forward-looking perception, where current negativity clouds prospects.
Transitions Test Franchise Stability
RCB faces ownership upheaval, with Diageo planning a sale by March 31 that has bred uncertainty. Experts like Bhairav Shanth of ITW Universe see this as temporary, arguing RCB's vast fanbase and digital reach preserve its appeal for investors eyeing $1.2-2 billion valuations. Shiv Burman of Burman Sports cites sale talks as evidence of underlying strength, reflecting deep financial assessments.
Regulatory Hits and Revenue Clouds
A ban on real money gaming erased Rs1,500-2,000 crore in advertising and sponsorships; Dream11 alone claimed five prime jersey spots in 2025. Bhairav Shanth flags slowing media rights growth into the 2027 cycle after Star Sports and Jio's merger, which secured rights for Rs48,930 crore through 2027 and tempers bidding wars. Roughly 45 percent of BCCI central revenue—mostly broadcasting—flows evenly to franchises at about Rs500 crore apiece yearly. Yet optimists note IPL's 84-85 percent population reach over 100 days draws brands despite past exits like crypto firms and Vivo. Francis and Burman foresee fillers for voids and rising value as fan experiences evolve.
