Cricket’s rapid commercialization has turned IPL franchises into global sports empires, competing on the world stage like never before. But which is the biggest cricket franchise team in the world in terms of value, titles, and popularity? Some say the answer lies in IPL trophy counts, others point to social media numbers and global reach.
Whether you’re asking who is the biggest cricket franchise in the world, or searching for the world no.1 cricket franchise team list, one thing is clear: teams like Mumbai Indians and CSK are not just domestic heroes—they’re international powerhouses. This blog explores the journey of these teams as we uncover the biggest franchise cricket team in the world and what sets them apart.
What Makes a Cricket Franchise the Biggest in the World?
In modern cricket, a franchise’s success is no longer judged only by its performance on the field. The biggest names in the game today have become global brands, combining sporting excellence with business acumen, fan culture, and international reach. But what exactly makes one team stand out above the rest?
- On-Field Success
Championship titles still matter. Teams that consistently perform well, win tournaments, and stay competitive year after year earn respect, visibility, and credibility in the cricketing world. - Fan Following and Engagement
A strong, passionate fan base is one of the most powerful assets a franchise can have. Whether it’s packed stadiums, trending hashtags, or global fan clubs, the ability to connect with millions is a major factor in global recognition. - Brand Value and Revenue
Commercial strength matters just as much. Franchises with high brand valuations often attract top sponsors, media rights deals, and massive merchandise sales, putting them at the top of the financial ladder. - Global Presence
With leagues now operating in the U.S., South Africa, and the UAE, many top franchises are expanding beyond their home turf. Teams that invest internationally strengthen their brand and build new fanbases around the world. - Digital Reach
In the age of social media, how a team performs online reflects its popularity. The most followed franchises across Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube often mirror their global appeal and influence.
Most Popular and Valuable Cricket Franchises in the World
| Rank | Team Name | Estimated Brand Value (2025) |
| 1 | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | $122 million |
| 2 | Mumbai Indians (MI) | $119 million |
| 3 | Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | $117 million |
| 4 | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | $109 million |
| 5 | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | $85 million |
| 6 | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | $81 million |
| 7 | Delhi Capitals (DC) | $80 million |
| 8 | Gujarat Titans (GT) | $69 million |
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – $122 Million
| Feature | Details |
| Brand Value (2025) | $122 million |
| IPL Titles Won | 5 (as of 2025) |
| Captain | MS Dhoni (Legacy Leader) |
| Fan Base | One of the largest in IPL (“Yellow Army”) |
| Known For | Consistency, loyalty, leadership |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Home Ground | M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
Chennai Super Kings stands tall as the most valuable cricket franchise in the world in 2025, with an estimated brand value of $122 million. Known for their remarkable consistency, strategic leadership, and passionate fan base, CSK has built a legacy that goes beyond just cricket.
Led by the iconic MS Dhoni, CSK has won five IPL titles, making them one of the most successful teams in league history. Their ability to retain a core group of players year after year has created a strong identity and unmatched team chemistry. Off the field, CSK’s fan following—often called the “Yellow Army”—is one of the most loyal and widespread in world cricket.
The franchise’s brand is further strengthened by its deep cultural connection with Tamil Nadu, its vibrant social media presence, and a reputation for resilience and sportsmanship. Even in seasons where the team struggled, CSK maintained strong sponsorship deals and merchandising success, showcasing the strength of their brand beyond wins and losses.
Read More: Top Richest Cricket Leagues
2. Mumbai Indians (MI) – $119 Million
| Feature | Details |
| Brand Value (2025) | $119 million |
| IPL Titles Won | 5 |
| Captain | Rohit Sharma (legacy) / New Leadership Era |
| Fan Base | Global, highly active on social media |
| Known For | Consistency, youth development, and global expansion |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Home Ground | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| International Teams | MI New York (USA), MI Cape Town (SA20) |
Mumbai Indians hold the second spot with a brand value of $119 million, making them one of the most successful and recognizable cricket franchises in the world. Known for their sharp team strategy and investment in young talent, MI has secured five IPL titles, matching CSK’s record. Backed by Reliance Industries, the franchise has built a global identity with teams in SA20 (MI Cape Town) and Major League Cricket (MI New York). Their ability to blend experience with innovation, both on and off the field, has solidified their legacy in the world of franchise cricket.
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore
| Feature | Details |
| Brand Value (2025) | $117 million |
| IPL Titles Won | 0 |
| Captain | Faf du Plessis (current) / Virat Kohli (legacy) |
| Fan Base | One of the largest & most loyal globally |
| Known For | Star power, massive online following, aggressive cricket |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Home Ground | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Social Media | Among the most followed IPL teams |
Known for their explosive style and entertaining matches, Royal Challengers Bangalore continues to attract fans across age groups. The franchise’s energetic vibe, high-scoring games, and trendsetting players have helped shape their brand as one of cricket’s most exciting teams. Valued at $117 million, RCB stands among the elite—thanks to a winning mix of entertainment, engagement, and ambition.
4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Brand Value (2025) | $109 million |
| IPL Titles Won | 2 (2012, 2014) |
| Owner | Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, Jay Mehta |
| Fan Base | Massive support across India & overseas |
| Known For | Aggressive branding, mass appeal, star power |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Home Ground | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Global Teams | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ILT20), LA Knight Riders (MLC)* |
At No. 4 in the rankings, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) holds a brand value of $109 million. The team has won the IPL twice (in 2012 and 2014) and continues to be one of the most marketable franchises in the world. Backed by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, KKR blends cricketing talent with entertainment appeal. Their black and purple branding, strong connection to Kolkata’s cricket culture, and aggressive global expansion have helped position them among the most influential cricket franchises today.
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Brand Value (2025) | $85 million |
| IPL Titles Won | 1 (2016) |
| Owner | SUN Group |
| Fan Base | Strong regional following in South India |
| Known For | Solid bowling units, underdog spirit |
| Founded | 2012 (replaced Deccan Chargers) |
| Home Ground | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad |
While SRH may not yet rank at the very top of the world’s biggest cricket franchise team list, they have carved a unique identity that fans deeply admire. With a strong base across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the franchise is growing steadily in popularity. Their $85 million brand value and a dedicated following prove that they’re not far behind the franchises that lead in metrics like which cricket franchise has the most fans or revenue. On and off the field, SRH is a team on the rise.
6. Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Brand Value (2025) | $81 million |
| IPL Titles Won | 1 (inaugural season, 2008) |
| Owner | Emerging Media IPL Ltd. & Manoj Badale |
| Fan Base | Strong support in Rajasthan and pan-India |
| Known For | Talent scouting, underdog victories, youth focus |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Home Ground | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur |
| Notable Captains | Shane Warne, Sanju Samson |
Representing Rajasthan with pride, RR combines regional loyalty with global ambition. Their inaugural IPL title in 2008 and constant presence in close contests have built a strong emotional connect with fans. While not currently topping the biggest cricket franchise in the world IPL rankings, their $81 million brand value reflects steady growth, strong digital outreach, and a clear vision for the future.
7. Delhi Capitals (DC) – Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Brand Value (2025) | $80 million |
| IPL Titles Won | 0 |
| Owners | JSW Group & GMR Group |
| Fan Base | Strong support from Delhi NCR & northern India |
| Known For | Youth-centric squad, fast bowling, bold batting |
| Founded | 2008 (as Delhi Daredevils, renamed in 2019) |
| Home Ground | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| Notable Players | Rishabh Pant, David Warner, Prithvi Shaw |
Delhi Capitals, formerly known as the Delhi Daredevils, has seen a remarkable transformation in recent years. Despite not having an IPL title to their name, the franchise has consistently delivered competitive performances, especially since its rebranding in 2019. With a brand value of $80 million, DC stands as one of the more promising sides in the league, known for backing young talent and playing aggressive cricket.
8. Gujarat Titans (GT)
| Feature | Details |
| Brand Value (2025) | $69 million |
| IPL Titles Won | 1 (2022) |
| Owner | CVC Capital Partners |
| Fan Base | Rapidly growing in Gujarat & across India |
| Known For | Impactful debut, all-round strength, team unity |
| Founded | 2021 (Debuted in IPL 2022) |
| Home Ground | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Notable Players | Hardik Pandya (former captain), Shubman Gill |
Gujarat Titans made one of the most memorable debuts in IPL history by winning the championship in their very first season in 2022. The team brought together a solid combination of emerging talent and experienced heads, quickly earning respect across the league. With a brand value of $69 million, GT may be the newest franchise on the list, but its impact has been immediate and impressive.
Conclusion: The Global Rise of Cricket’s Biggest Teams
From legacy teams like CSK and MI to emerging forces like GT, the landscape of franchise cricket is more competitive than ever. While brand value is one measure, what truly defines a franchise is its ability to connect, perform, and grow. One thing is clear: cricket franchises are no longer just teams — they’re global powerhouses shaping the future of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which is the biggest cricket franchise in the world?
A: As of 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is considered the biggest cricket franchise in the world with a brand value of $122 million, thanks to their consistent success, loyal fanbase, and iconic leadership.
Q2. Which cricket franchise has the most fans globally?
A: Both Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are known for their massive global fan bases. RCB, in particular, has one of the most engaged digital audiences in franchise cricket.
Q3. Who owns the top cricket franchises like CSK and MI?
A: Chennai Super Kings is owned by Chennai Super Kings Ltd., while Mumbai Indians is owned by Reliance Industries through Indiawin Sports Pvt. Ltd..
Q4. What makes a cricket franchise valuable?
A: A franchise’s value is influenced by its on-field performance, fan engagement, sponsorship deals, digital presence, and brand expansion across global leagues.
Q5. Which is the richest IPL team in terms of brand value in 2025?
A: Chennai Super Kings leads the list with a brand value of $122 million, followed closely by Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Q6. Are there cricket franchises outside of India gaining popularity?
A: Yes, franchises like MI New York, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, and Texas Super Kings (owned by CSK group) are expanding globally through T20 leagues in the USA, UAE, and South Africa.
Q7. Has any new team made a big impact in recent years?
A: Gujarat Titans (GT), founded in 2021, made a remarkable debut by winning the IPL in 2022 and finishing runners-up in 2023. Their quick rise has added significant value to their brand.
