According to a report by Brand Finance released on Wednesday, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has attained the coveted status of a decacorn, boasting a brand valuation of $10.7 billion after a substantial 28% increase. This marks a remarkable surge from its $2 billion valuation after the inaugural season in 2008, showcasing a 433% growth. The report attributes this growth to factors such as the return to full-capacity stadiums, increased viewership across diverse devices, substantial media partnerships, and renewed confidence among advertisers. Notably, the introduction of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and free access through the JioCinema app have further strengthened the league’s brand.

Among the IPL franchises, Mumbai Indians claimed the top spot as the most valuable, with a valuation of $87 million, a position it has held since 2020. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged as the second most valuable at $80.6 million, followed by Kolkata Knight Riders at $78.6 million and Royal Challengers Bangalore at $69.8 million. CSK also secured the highest “Brand Strength Index” (BSI) score of 81.8 out of 100, signifying it as the strongest brand in 2023. Despite these impressive figures, the IPL’s total brand value for the top five teams remains behind major football leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga, underlining the potential for further growth in the future. Hugo Hensley, head of Sports Services at Brand Finance, emphasized the importance of robust governance for sustaining the IPL brand’s value over time.