IPL 2026 record 1.1 billion viewership across platforms:RCB matches cross 400 million audience engagement; playoffs watch time rises to 7%

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have not only dominated on the field but have also emerged as one of the biggest attractions for cricket fans across television and digital platforms. Following their back-to-back Indian Premier League titles in 2025 and 2026, the Bengaluru-based franchise has witnessed a massive surge in popularity and audience engagement. According to RCB chief executive officer Rajesh Menon, the franchise played a major role in driving viewership during IPL 2026. The team’s success, combined with its growing fan base, helped attract millions of viewers and strengthen its position as one of the most influential brands in cricket. The franchise’s rise has also been reflected in business terms. Earlier this year, RCB was acquired by a consortium comprising the Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India, Bolt Ventures and a Blackstone fund for ₹16,706 crore ($1.78 billion) ahead of the IPL 2026 season, highlighting the growing value of the franchise. Four RCB matches cross 400 billion viewership Rajesh Menon revealed that RCB featured prominently in the most-watched matches of the tournament. The franchise’s performances and star power attracted audiences across platforms throughout the season. “Only 12 matches crossed around 300 million-plus viewers and RCB played in seven of them. Only four matches crossed 400 million viewers and RCB played in all four. 14-15% of total viewership came from RCB,” Menon said on RCB’s audience engagement. IPL 2026 recorded 1.1 billion viewers across platforms Traditionally, the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been the biggest crowd-pullers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), thanks to their consistent success and massive fan following. Both franchises have won five IPL titles each and have long led the way in television ratings and fan engagement. Kolkata Knight Riders have also enjoyed strong support, having lifted the trophy three times. According to broadcaster JioStar, IPL 2026 continued its remarkable growth, reaching a combined audience of 1.1 billion viewers across television and digital platforms by the time the tournament entered the playoff stage. The league also witnessed a 15% increase in digital reach, while overall watch time grew by 7% compared to previous seasons. Notably, JioStar currently owns the media rights for both the Indian Premier League and the Women’s Premier League. Under the ongoing rights cycle from 2023 to 2027, the IPL rights are valued at ₹48,390 crore, while the WPL rights are worth ₹951 crore, highlighting the growing commercial strength of both tournaments. ‘Bright future for IPL and WPL’: Rajesh Menon Rajesh Menon believes the future remains extremely positive for both leagues. He expects significant growth in the next media rights cycle, forecasting a 30-40% increase in IPL rights values and a 40-50% rise in WPL rights. He described both competitions as ‘Gold dust’ and suggested that women’s cricket could become one of the biggest growth drivers in the sports industry over the next five years. Menon also pointed toward opportunities in gaming and encouraged IPL franchises to invest in other sports across India. According to him, the massive fan bases developed through the IPL can help expand the country’s broader sporting ecosystem and create new opportunities beyond cricket.