The Indian Premier League’s (IPL) brand value has fallen sharply by 20% to $9.6 billion in 2025, according to Brand Finance, marking only the second major decline in the tournament’s history.
Analysts link the drop to this year’s unprecedented mid-season suspension and wider commercial challenges that weighed down broadcaster confidence and franchise valuations.
The biggest shock came in May when IPL 2025 was suspended for nearly a week due to Pakistan–India border tensions. This was the first mid-tournament stoppage since the COVID-19-interrupted 2020 season.
Brand experts say the uncertainty directly hit advertising exposure, disrupted match-day visibility, and slowed commercial momentum for broadcasters and sponsors.
Structural pressures added to decline
India’s ban on real-money gaming advertisements — once a dominant sponsorship category — removed several high-spending brands from the IPL ecosystem.
The exit of cryptocurrency partners further narrowed the sponsorship pool.
The league also faced scheduling clashes with PSL X, complicating global broadcast windows. Ongoing ambiguity around the upcoming mega auction increased uncertainty for franchises.
Valuation trends already showing decline
This latest fall follows an earlier analysis by D&P Advisory, which had already flagged consecutive year-on-year drops.
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₹92,500 crore in 2023
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₹82,700 crore in 2024
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₹76,100 crore in 2025
Brand Finance notes that 2025 is only the second year in IPL history — after 2020 — where overall valuation has moved backward.
Most franchises report sharp value losses
Nine out of ten IPL teams suffered declines in brand worth this year.
Top teams hit hard
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Mumbai Indians fell around 10% to $108 million
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru dropped to $105 million
Biggest declines
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Chennai Super Kings: down 24% to $93 million
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Kolkata Knight Riders: down 33% to $73 million
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Sunrisers Hyderabad: down 34% to $56 million
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Rajasthan Royals: steepest fall at 35% to $53 million
Moderate declines
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Punjab Kings: $66 million
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Lucknow Super Giants: $59 million
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Delhi Capitals: fell 26% to $59 million
In a rare bright spot, Gujarat Titans registered a 2% increase, rising to $70 million — the only franchise to post growth in 2025.
Analysts say the team’s stable performance, strong fan engagement, and consistent commercial planning helped it avoid the downturn.
