The Indian Premier League (IPL) has suffered a significant financial setback in 2025, with its brand value dropping by 20% to $9.6 billion — marking only the second major decline in the league’s history.
The downturn comes largely in the wake of the Pakistan-India conflict in May, which led to an unprecedented week-long halt of the IPL season. This mid-season suspension, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, disrupted the competition’s commercial rhythm and cast uncertainty across its vast sponsor and broadcaster ecosystem.
Industry analysts report that the temporary shutdown weakened broadcaster confidence, reduced sponsor visibility, and interrupted the league’s typically unbroken commercial momentum. The decline was further compounded by structural challenges within the Indian advertising market.
The government’s ban on real-money gaming advertisements — previously a major revenue source — removed an entire category of high-spending sponsors, tightening financial inflows.
Additional factors intensified the pressure. A scheduling clash with PSL X, uncertainty surrounding the upcoming mega-auction, and the exit of cryptocurrency sponsors all contributed to instability in franchise valuations.
These findings align with D&P Advisory’s earlier analysis, which highlighted a continuing downward trend: from ₹92,500 crore in 2023 to ₹82,700 crore in 2024, and now ₹76,100 crore in 2025.
Nine out of ten IPL teams reported notable valuation drops. Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, traditionally the league’s most valuable franchises, saw their brand values fall by around 10% to $108 million and $105 million respectively.
Other major teams were hit harder: Chennai Super Kings dipped 24% to $93 million, while Kolkata Knight Riders plunged 33% to $73 million. Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals suffered the steepest declines at 34% and 35%.
In a rare bright spot, Gujarat Titans defied the overall downturn, posting a 2% increase to reach $70 million — the only team to record growth in an otherwise challenging year for the IPL.
