ISLAMABAD: The Indian Premier League (IPL), one of the world’s most valuable sporting properties, has suffered a significant setback in 2025, with its brand value dropping by 20 percent to $9.6 billion, according to a latest assessment by Brand Finance.

This marks only the second major decline in the league’s history, the first being during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The Indian media attributed the sharp fall primarily to an unprecedented mid-season suspension in May, when the tournament was halted for nearly a week amid Pakistan-India border tensions. The disruption, the first of its kind since 2020, dented broadcaster confidence, reduced sponsor visibility, and slowed the league’s overall commercial momentum.

Brand experts say the uncertainty caused by the temporary shutdown directly impacted advertising exposure and match-day revenues, creating ripple effects across franchise valuations and broadcast commitments.

Beyond the suspension, the IPL also faced structural and regulatory challenges. India’s ban on real-money gaming advertisements, once a major source of high-value sponsorships, removed a key revenue stream from the league. The exit of cryptocurrency sponsors further narrowed the commercial ecosystem.

Scheduling clashes with Pakistan Super League (PSL X) complicated international broadcast windows, while uncertainty surrounding the upcoming IPL mega auction added to investor and franchise unease.

The decline follows an already visible downward trend. A separate analysis by D&P Advisory shows the IPL’s valuation slipping for three consecutive years, from ₹92,500 crore in 2023 to ₹82,700 crore in 2024, and now ₹76,100 crore in 2025. Brand Finance notes that 2025 is only the second year in IPL history when overall valuation has moved backward.

Franchises bear the brunt

Nine out of ten IPL franchises recorded notable drops in brand value.

Traditionally strong teams were not spared. Mumbai Indians, which includes players like Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, saw their valuation fall by around 10 percent to $108 million. Former Indian captain, Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru dropped to $105 million.

Some of the steepest declines were recorded by former champions. Chennai Super Kings, led by World Cup winning captain MS Dhoni, fell 24 percent to $93 million, while Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan-owned Kolkata Knight Riders dropped 33 percent to $73 million. Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals suffered the sharpest losses, down 34 percent and 35 percent respectively.

Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and Delhi Capitals also reported moderate to heavy declines, reflecting broader instability across the league.

Lone bright spot

In an otherwise subdued year, Gujarat Titans emerged as the only franchise to post growth, registering a modest 2 percent increase to reach $70 million. Analysts credit the team’s stable on-field performance, strong fan engagement, and disciplined commercial planning for defying the league-wide downturn.

Experts warn that while the IPL remains a global cricketing powerhouse, restoring growth will depend on commercial stability, regulatory clarity, and uninterrupted seasons. With mounting competition from other leagues and shifting sponsorship landscapes, the coming years could prove critical for the future trajectory of the tournament.

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IPL brand value takes major hit after Pakistan-India conflict