The recent report on IPL franchise valuations by Hurun India unveils a shocking reshuffle of the rankings where Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) take a leading spot and rank ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). But they were not just on court success teams it’s also a testament to a certain franchises increasing commercial power.
The most valuable franchise is the Kolkata Knight Riders which is valued at ₹19,200–25,500 crore which is also the leading figure on the list, according to the report. Following them are Mumbai Indians at ₹18,400–21,700 crore and Chennai Super Kings at ₹18,400–20,700 crore. The biggest shock is seen from the Hyderabad-based Sunrisers Hyderabad, valued at ₹17,500–18,400 crore, which outstrips RCB.
This is in line with good brand awareness and long-term fan engagement. And then, as for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a franchise despite having an impressive fan base of millions of supporters, it stands at ₹16,700 crore. Delhi Capitals are worth ₹16,600–17,700 crore, the total value of Rajasthan Royals is consistent at ₹15,000 crore. New franchises such as Gujarat Titans (₹14,000–15,800 crore) and Lucknow Super Giants (₹14,000–15,600 crore) are already upkeeping themselves in the market fast.
The value of Punjab Kings runs from ₹12,700–15,400 crore at the bottom of the list, indicating that while the team has a longstanding league presence, there are also issues surrounding the brand positioning of the team. The valuations highlight how IPL franchises have also transitioned from cricket franchises into profitable business models.
Value is not only a function of fan loyalty, sponsorship deals, merchandising or digital engagement. KKR and SRH also indicate that with a little marketing savvy and an even stronger track record, a team can gain market capitalisation beyond that derived from big time names like RCB.
Hurun India’s report illustrates the transformation of how IPL teams compete in the market, with newer strategies and more comprehensive fan engagements changing how franchises are valued. That KKR and SRH are emerging ahead of RCB says to us that the league is undergoing a commercial revolution, proving that off-field success is just as vital as on-field triumphs in modern cricket.
