IPL Valuation Falls for Second Year in a Row. What’s Behind Cricket’s Costly Decline?

The Indian Premier League (IPL), once celebrated as the fastest-growing sports league in the world, has seen its valuation drop for the second consecutive year. Despite being cricket’s most-watched tournament, experts say rising operational costs, falling sponsor interest, and viewer fatigue are cooling down the once red-hot brand.

According to market analysts, the IPL’s overall brand valuation has declined by around 6-8% in FY2025, following a similar drop in the previous year. The league’s total value now stands at approximately $10.2 billion, down from its peak of $11.3 billion in 2023.

Why the Valuation Is Falling

1. Ad Revenue Slowdown: Many advertisers have shifted budgets to digital and influencer campaigns, leading to weaker broadcast ad spends.
2. Sponsor Fatigue: Repeated sponsor exits and short-term deals have made the league less stable commercially.
3. Rising Costs: Player fees, franchise maintenance, and broadcasting rights costs have ballooned.
4. Viewer Saturation: While IPL remains hugely popular, audiences are showing early signs of “cricket fatigue” due to year-round tournaments.
5. Global Sports Competition: Events like the T20 World Cup, Olympics, and international football leagues are drawing attention away from the IPL.

Who’s Still Winning

Despite the dip, top franchises like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) remain valuable sports brands in Asia. Their fan engagement and merchandise sales continue to bring strong revenue streams.

Meanwhile, the BCCI and broadcasters are expected to explore AI-driven fan experiences and new digital revenue models to bring the growth back by 2026.

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