IPL is new ‘gold rush’ for global equity firms:From Blackstone to Carlyle, investing giants eye a share of the cash in 2026

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is currently among the world’s most lucrative sports properties, and global investors do not want to miss out on a share of the loot in the 2026 season. Large private equity firms, such as Blackstone, KKR and Carlyle, are reportedly exploring various stakes in IPL franchises ahead of the league’s 2026 season. The IPL ecosystem is second only to the United States’ National Football League (NFL) by value globally at about $18.5 billion based on a per-match estimate, a Reuters analysis showed. IPL’s Soaring Valuation The IPL’s total business valuation has reached a staggering $18.5 billion [over ₹1.66 lakh crore (considering 90 per dollar exchange rate)], showing a 12.9% increase compared to last year. This growth reflects the IPL’s increasing popularity and its impact on the global sports market. Record returns draw global investors The surge of interest from global investors in the IPL might resemble the 19th-century gold rush, when fortune seekers flocked to mining regions in search of wealth. This renewed interest follows landmark exits by early institutional backers. CVC Capital Partners, which invested in the league in 2021, secured returns of roughly 350% after selling a majority stake in the Gujarat Titans to
Torrent Group in 2025, according to Reuters. This has reinforced the IPL’s reputations as a mainstream alternative asset that combines consumer exposure with a media-driven revenue model, limiting earnings volatility. Limited ownership opportunities bump up franchise valuations With the league capped at 10 teams, ownership opportunities are clearly limited, a factor that has driven aggressive pricing and competitive bidding. For instance, two high-profile franchises, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals, are expected to change hands. Team Valuations: Who’s on Top? Each IPL team is a valuable asset, with valuations varying based on brand strength, fan base, and on-field performance. Here’s a look at the top 10 most valuable teams in 2025, as per a report compiled by ‘The Cricket Panda:’ Cash flow from media rights is a major draw The IPL’s $6.2 billion media rights deal with Reliance-backed JioStar and Disney, which runs through 2027, is a key factor supporting valuations, it said. The centralised rights pool also ensures assured distributions to franchises, protecting them from short-term fluctuations in on-field results. Investors are also factoring in the IPL’s expanding international influence, as franchise owners build multi-league portfolios across South Africa, the UAE and the United States, creating year-round commercial platforms.
2026 Season may set new benchmarks for franchise valuations The outcome of the 2026 franchise transactions is expected to establish new benchmarks for sports valuations in Asia and further cement the IPL’s position as a global institutional asset. As final bids are evaluated in the coming months, the league’s evolution from a domestic tournament into a cornerstone of global sports investment appears increasingly complete, and for private equity firms, an opportunity too large to ignore.