MS Dhoni’s CSK most valued team, IPL brand value touches new height

9 months ago 202

With MS Dhoni leading Chennai Super Kings to their record-equaling 5th IPL title, CSK are now the most valued IPL franchise. Overall, with IPL 2023 offering record numbers of viewership on Star Sports and JioCinema, IPL has touched new heights with $3.2 billion as per Investment Banking company Houlihan Lokey’s report.

MS Dhoni has been the driving factor in CSK’s growth. With a cult-like following across the country, all CSK matches have been houseful at every stadium. Furthermore, banking on his popularity, CSK have been able to charge more from sponsors than other franchises.

From $146 million, Chennai Super Kings have broken the $200m mark to score $212 million in brand value. CSK have seen a 45.2% growth year-on-year.

Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore is 2nd with $195 million. Mumbai Indians have slipped to third with a valuation of $190 million.

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Under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, Chennai Super Kings reached their 10th IPL final in 14 seasons and landed their 5th title. In the record-breaking IPL Final 2023, CSK beat Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets.

IPL Brand Value only behind NFL

Meanwhile, IPL brand value has surged to $3.2 billion. With the Indian board (BCCI) bagging a record IPL Media Rights deal of Rs 48,390 Cr ($6.2 billion), IPL brand value took an 80% jump from $1.8 billion. Furthermore, the overall value of IPL business enterprise is also up by 80% to $8.5 billion.

“Created on the American style of franchise-based systems of hiring players, the IPL has established itself as a hugely lucrative sports league, along similar lines as the NFL and the NBA,” Harsh Talikoti, Senior Vice President, of Corporate Valuation Advisory Services at Houlihan Lokey, said.

In terms of broadcasting fee, IPL is only behind NFL (National Football League of US) which charges $35.1 million. IPL per match fee is at $14.4 million.