RCB, MI और CSK को पछाड़ KKR बनी सबसे महंगी फ्रेंचाइजी

The latest valuation report by Fanatic Sports and Hurun India highlights the massive financial growth of the Indian Premier League (IPL), with Kolkata Knight Riders emerging as the most valuable franchise in the league. KKR’s valuation has been estimated at ₹19,200 crore, surpassing long-time giants Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, both valued at ₹18,400 crore. The report shows that the combined valuation of all 10 IPL franchises has now crossed ₹1.63 lakh crore, underlining the league’s rapid commercial expansion and global appeal. Experts behind the study believe IPL franchise values could rise even further in the coming years due to increasing investor interest and intense competition for ownership stakes. The report predicts that the average IPL team valuation could grow from the current $1.8 billion to nearly $15 billion by 2032. If that happens, several IPL franchises may stand financially alongside top teams from America’s National Football League (NFL). On the individual branding front, Virat Kohli remains the biggest face of the IPL ecosystem. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru star topped the Hurun India IPL Athlete Performance Rankings with 617 points, reflecting his unmatched popularity and consistency. Kohli also leads the IPL earnings chart, having earned ₹230.2 crore across 18 seasons. Rohit Sharma follows closely with ₹227.2 crore, while MS Dhoni ranks third with ₹200.3 crore in total IPL earnings. Overall, IPL players have collectively earned more than ₹6,341 crore over 18 seasons. The report also focused on the fast growth of women’s cricket through the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Smriti Mandhana emerged as the highest-earning WPL player with total earnings of ₹13.7 crore. The top 10 WPL players together have earned over ₹90 crore within just four seasons, highlighting the rising commercial power of women’s cricket in India. Beyond cricket, the report examined the wider Indian sports economy, including hockey, football, kabaddi, and volleyball. It noted that India now hosts six major professional sports leagues with 59 franchises and more than 763 active brand partnerships. The study also highlighted the rise of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities as important growth centers for sports fandom, sponsorships, and league participation. Overall, the findings show that India’s sports industry is rapidly evolving into a strong multi-sport economy led by the IPL’s enormous brand power.