Top IPL teams RCB, CSK see double-digit drop as brand value declines for most franchises

The Indian Premier League trophy (Image courtesy: Twitter/@IPL, BCCI)

The Indian Premier League’s brand value has taken a knock this year. Almost every team has experienced a decline in brand value, with some franchises seeing a drop of up to 35 percent, the Brand Finance IPL 2025 report has said.

According to the report, the cash-rich domestic Twenty20 league bore the brunt of lost momentum following Operation Sindoor when India and Pakistan were locked in an intense military clash in early May.

As the conflict intensified, several IPL matches, including playoffs, were suspended for a week over safety concerns.

Its first trophy win this season couldn’t prevent a 10 percent drop in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s brand value (RCB). Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the most successful IPL team with five title wins, saw a drop of 24 percent.

The fall was even steeper for others. Rajasthan Royals’ brand value dropped 35 percent, Sunrisers Hyderabad 34 percent, Kolkata Knight Riders 33 percent and Delhi Capitals 26 percent.

Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants recorded single-digit value drops of 9 percent, 3 percent, and 2 percent, respectively.

Gujarat Titans was the only team to see its brand value rise, a marginal growth of 2 percent, the report said.

The report blamed geopolitical disruptions, lost momentum and auction missteps that prompted teams to recalibrate their squad composition to result in subpar match-day performances for the fall.

It is not just the teams that recorded a decline, IPL's brand value, too, took a hit. The IPL ecosystem’s value stood at $9.6 billion in 2025, a 20 percent drop from 2024 due to significant disruptions during the season, Ajimon Francis, Managing Director, Brand Finance India, said.

"IPL 2025 reflects a period of course correction, positioning the league to regain momentum and strengthen its long-term brand value," the report said.

Brand IPL has also seen distinct waves of advertiser communities: crypto brands entered and faded with regulatory pressure; fintechs rose and then slowed; startups arrived with intensity before moderating; and now real money gaming (RMG) brands are receding from the landscape.

The ban on RMG is estimated to have removed Rs 1,500–2,000 crore of annual advertising and sponsorship spend from the IPL ecosystem, leaving a void across broadcaster revenues, franchise partnerships, and fan-engagement activations.

On the other hand, Women's Premier League (WPL) brand value has emerged strongly.

More than 70 brands across beauty, lifestyle, and financial services backed the 2025 season, contributing to a franchise-level sponsorship revenue increase of 10 percent to 20 percent and central deals rising by around 10 percent annually.