Not MI, CSK or RCB: This IPL Team is India's Most Valuable Sports Franchise
There was always a fan-talk that either the Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings or Royal Challengers Bengaluru would be India's Most Valuable Sports Franchise. But, in the latest Fanatic Sports Hurun India Most Valuable Sports Teams 2026 report, Kolkata Knight Riders emerged on the top of the list.
The Indian sports franchise was valued between INR 19,200 crore and INR 22,500 crore, hence making them the highest valued sports team in the country. This news came as a surprise as the MI and CSK have the most number of IPL titles under their names while RCB has the largest fanbase on all digital platforms.
KKR Finish Ahead of MI, CSK and RCB
As per the report, Mumbai Indians were valued between INR 18,400 crore and INR 21,700 crore while the Chennai Super Kings were valued between INR 18,400 crore and INR 20,700 crore. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured the fifth spot with a valuation of INR 16,700 crore.
The KKR was purchased by Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan's family and the Mehta Group in 2008 for about INR 300 crore. The franchise has had an annual growth of 26-27% in the past 18 seasons.
The Hurun report mentioned the growth as "infrastructure-grade asset appreciation."
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Global Expansion Helped KKR Grow
KKR's rise is also attributed to the franchise's move beyond the Indian border. They set up teams in various T20 leagues around the world such as the Caribbean Premier League, ILT20 and Major League Cricket with Trinbago Knight Riders, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Los Angeles Knight Riders respectively.
Hurun report had mentioned "Global Cricket Portfolio Breadth" as the reason for KKR's huge valuation. This signifies that by penetrating through global cricket, KKR expanded its commercial base beyond the IPL.
Success on and off the Field
KKR have secured three IPL crowns, the latest of which they picked up in 2024. Although MI and CSK have a higher number of total titles to their name, KKR have achieved a balance between on field dominance and massive financial success.
They are further boosted by the massive global appeal that their team owner Shah Rukh Khan brings to the club, one of the biggest individuals connected with Indian sports in the world. Very high points were also achieved by the team, according to the report, on points for fan following, brand worth and sponsorship power.
Also mentioned by the Hurun report, the average IPL franchise valuation stands at USD 1.8 billion. It has been projected by experts that IPL team values may grow even larger as Indian sport business expands.