Biggest Cricket Franchise in the World. Cricket is not just a game — it is today big business. Franchise cricket (particularly T20) has boomed in the last decade, and some teams are now valuable brand names across the sport. And when people question, “What is the biggest cricket franchise in the world?” they invariably mean which team is the most valuable, clearly the most commercially successful or has had the strongest brand.
Here’s a look at which cricket franchise currently holds the title of the most valuable, how its valued, and why does it matter. We’ll also consider other top franchises worldwide and key factors of their success.
What Does “Biggest Cricket Franchise” Mean?
When people talk about the “biggest cricket franchise,” they are typically endorsing one (or more) of these criteria:
- Brand Valuation: The value that is placed on the team as a brand(sponsorship, merchandise, media value).
- Net Worth: Total assets, which could include players, contracts or stadium rights and merchandise.
- Commercial Reach: Popularity/fan base/media rights/global presence.
- Sporting Success: How well the franchise performs on the field (although value doesn’t always precisely correlate with trophies).
Modern ideas of brand value are often used to crown the “biggest” franchise, because it indicates financial power and global reach.
Which Is the Biggest Cricket Franchise in the World Today?
, the Largest cricket franchise in terms of brand valuation was Indian cricket team IPL Delhi Capitals (DD) which is now acquired by GMR group.
That is according to an investment bank, Houlihan Lokey:
- The brand value of RCB is USD 269 million. IPL+1
- This makes them the richest IPL team by 2025. Business Standard
- The entire IPL ecosystem (franchises + media + merchandise) is now worth $18.5 billion. Business Standard+2Kheltantra+2
Why Is RCB the Most Valuable Franchise?
There are several reasons why Royal Challengers Bengaluru has risen to the top:
- First IPL Title
RCB eventually won their first IPL title in 2025. This victory gave them brand value. Tech Insights: Synarion IT Solutions+1 - Large Fan Base
RCB have had one of the most vocal and high-spirited fan followings in cricket. Their fans then drive a high volume of merchandise sales, ticket revenues and digital engagement. - Strong Digital Presence
RCB has used social media, content marketing and digital presence to connect with fans across the globe. Here again this is a great boost to brand image. - Sponsorship & Partnerships
With big sponsorship deals, brand partnerships and media rights over the years, RCB is a commercial powerhouse.
Top Cricket Franchises in the World — By Valuation
Although RCB is currently the biggest, there are several other cricket franchises with high value. The most valuable ones, mostly from IPL, include:
| Team | Brand Value (2025) | Notable Points |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | USD 269 million IPL+1 | First IPL title, huge fan base |
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | USD 242 million IPL+1 | Successful record, corporate backing |
| Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | USD 235 million myKhel+1 | Legacy team, giant fan following |
| Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | ~USD 227 million Uccricket+1 | Celebrity ownership (Bollywood), strong brand |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | USD 154 million IPL | Emerging team, growing fan base |
| Delhi Capitals (DC) | USD 152 million myKhel | Young squad, big future potential |
These numbers reflect how franchise cricket, especially in the IPL, has become a global business: teams are not just sports clubs, but brands with huge commercial value.
Why IPL Franchises Dominate the “Biggest Franchise” Conversation
Here are key reasons why IPL teams, especially, are dominating the rankings:
- Massive Popularity
IPL is among the most-attended cricket leagues in the world. The massive audience means big money from broadcast rights, sponsorship and merchandise. - Strong Financial Model
The IPL ecosystem rests on a well-structured financial model — centralised media rights, franchise revenues, sponsorships and ticket sales all make it very high valuations. Business Standard+1 - Global Appeal
IPL is rooted in India, but extends beyond that. The presence of foreign players, global sponsors and fans from abroad makes IPL franchises relevant from across the globe. - Active Brand Building
These are not just cricket teams. They create content, run fan engagement campaigns, sell merchandise and have a deep digital footprint.
Other Noteworthy Cricket Franchises Outside IPL
The “biggest” mostly list is dominated by IPL franchises but there are growth T20 leagues and teams all around the globe. Some of them:
- Big Bash League (BBL) Teams — Australian teams such as Sydney Sixers, Melbourne Stars are a hit but not too many own the high brand values when compared to those in the ipl list of all teams.
- The Hundred (England) — The price for franchises in the new, streamlined league format used by The Hundred is growing. Southern Brave, for example, has attracted significant funding. The Guardian
- Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) sides are also commercial heavyweights, although they lack the clout of elite IPL outfits in terms of global worth.
Risks and Challenges to Being the Biggest Cricket Franchise
Even the largest franchises struggle:
- Performance Pressure
(Remember, winning helps drive up brand value, while failing for decades can make a franchise look bad and lower its brand value.) - Economic Risks
inemas, broadcasting stories and sponsorship is all linked into the global economy. A downturn can affect valuations. - Competition from Other Leagues
With more and more T20 leagues arising around the world, money and focus may leak elsewhere, increasing the diversity of commercial opportunity. - Regulatory Issues
League structures reliant on national boards or government decisions could run the risk of regulation, impacting future franchise durability. - Sustainability
To maintain a brand of such high value, it requires continued investment in fan experience, infrastructure and promotion. Some teams may not be able to maintain that.
Impact of a Big Franchise on Cricket as a Sport
When an outfit is worth a lot of money, it has wider repercussions on cricket:
- Increases the League’s Value: Large market teams increase the value of the entire league while also bringing in sponsors and broadcasting deals.
- Upgrades Infrastructure: Winning expensive teams spend more money on training facilities, stadiums and youth academies.
- Player compensation: As franchises expand, they have more money to pay players, improving the level of competition for everyone.
- Fan Engagement: Leading franchises usually tend to benefit from better fan programs, merchandise, and global business which enhances it even more.
- Global Growth: As cricket becomes commercially strong, cricket franchises attract international investors and international attention towards the game.
Who Could Be the Next Big Cricket Franchise?
Here are a few teams that I think have the potential to become massive franchise brands in the future:
- Delhi Capitals (IPL): Young side, big corporate sponsorship and rapidly growing fan-base.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL) Management : Good and the potential for valuation to increase.
- The Hundred Franchises in England: Just like The Hundred teams will get more popular franchise branding might see a bump.
- PSL Teams: Due to the cricket craze in Pakistan and increasing demand of T20 leagues, a few PSL teams may be attractive for foreign investors.
Final Thoughts
So, when you wonder “What is the largest cricket franchise in the world?” – As of now the answer is Royal Challengers Bengaluru, simply because of its huge brand value,a dedicated fan base and the fact that last year in 2025 they won their first ever IPL tournament. But the history of franchise cricket is a fast-changing one.
A number of teams are on a growth path, new leagues are popping up around the globe. So even though RCB is in this moment the top contender, the future can see plenty of other contenders
