How much is IPL worth? T20 league brand value rises by billion dollars in 2018

Indian Premier League (IPL) is the biggest T20 league in cricket and one of the biggest sporting events in the whole world. 

The T20 tournament, which was launched a decade back, completed its 11th edition in 2018. This year's IPL, which saw Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals return to the league after two years, has helped the league increase its brand value.

New York-based corporate financial advisor Duff & Phelps has estimated the brand value of IPL at 6.3 billion dollars this year, according to a report in Times of India. Duff & Phelps said in its annual report that the tournament’s valuation has gone up by 19 per cent from 5.3 billion dollars in 2017 to 6.3 billion dollars this year. It was valued at $4.16 billion in 2016.

IPL 2018 saw a new broadcast partner in Star India who paid the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Rs 16,345.7 crore for the rights over the next six years, the report said.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) led by MS Dhoni went on to win their third IPL title this year. 

The global firm also said in its report that the 2018 edition was also the first which saw almost all matches getting sold out. Star India broadcast the league in 2018 with commentary in eight different languages across 17 channels - it helped in raising the viewership of the tournament.

Among the IPL franchise, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders are valued at 113 million dollars and 104 million dollars. CSK and Royal Challengers Bangalore are also near the 100 million mark with brand values of 98 million dollars.