New Delhi, July 29 -- The Indian Premier League's biggest statement this year came off the field. The sales of the two biggest franchises - the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals - at valuations of $1.78 billion and $1.65 billion, respectively, have pushed the league into the ranks of global sports investment assets, attracting institutional capital alongside traditional corporate

According to investment bank Houlihan Lokey's 2026 IPL brand valuation study, the transactions have resulted in the league's enterprise value hitting $20.6 billion, up 11.4% from 2025, marking its second consecutive year of double-digit growth.

The RCB sale by Diageo-owned United Spirits also marks a shift in franchise ownership, with a con...