The Indian Premier League (IPL) has reached a remarkable milestone in 2024, with its brand value soaring to an impressive USD 12 billion, reflecting a significant 13% increase from the previous year.
This growth trajectory underscores the IPL’s evolution from a modest USD 2 billion valuation in 2009 to surpass USD 10 billion for the first time in 2023, when it was valued at USD 10.7 billion.
The data comes from the 17th Brand Finance IPL report, which highlights the league’s status as one of the most profitable sports leagues globally.
Key Highlights of IPL’s Brand Value Surge
Top Teams’ Performance: For the first time, four IPL franchises—Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)—have crossed the USD 100 million mark in brand value. This is a testament to their global appeal and commercial success.
Leading Brands of IPL:
- Chennai Super Kings: CSK tops the list with a brand value of USD 122 million, experiencing a remarkable increase of 52%. The team’s enduring popularity, largely attributed to cricketing legend MS Dhoni, has played a crucial role in this growth.
- Mumbai Indians: Following closely, MI has a brand value of USD 119 million, up by 36%, solidifying its reputation as a fan favorite despite recent performance fluctuations.
- Royal Challengers Bangalore: RCB has seen the highest percentage growth among top teams at 67%, reaching a brand value of USD 117 million, fueled by its passionate fanbase.
- Kolkata Knight Riders: KKR rounds out the top four with a brand value of USD 109 million, marking a 38% increase.
Emerging Brands:
The report also highlights significant growth for teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), which achieved a brand value of USD 85 million with an impressive growth rate of 76%, making it the fastest-growing brand in the league.
Other notable mentions include the Rajasthan Royals at USD 81 million (+30%), and the Delhi Capitals at USD 80 million (+24%).
Economic Impact and Future Potential
The IPL’s ecosystem is now valued at approximately USD 1.3 billion, contributing significantly to employment with around 1.25 million jobs created across various sectors in India.
The league’s influence extends beyond cricket, impacting markets in regions such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the US, and Australia.
Ajimon Francis, Managing Director of Brand Finance India, emphasized that the IPL’s effective business model and match organization have become benchmarks for global sports leagues.
This success not only strengthens the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) but also provides vital opportunities for domestic talent.
