IPL 2025: MI vs RCB Revenue Comparison – Which franchise earns more?

Introduction

Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are two of the most followed teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). These two teams are set to face each other in match No. 20 of the ongoing IPL 2025 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday, April 7. Ahead of the latest chapter in the storied rivalry, CricTracker brings fans a detailed revenue comparison of the two teams.

Mumbai Indians failed to win the coveted IPL title in the first five seasons of the cash-rich league. However, they emerged victorious in five out of the next eight seasons. Mumbai are the joint-most successful team in the league, along with Chennai Super Kings. On the other hand, RCB have never won the IPL title. They made it to the finals in three seasons. However, they could not bag the title. Still, they have ardent fans who fill the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in every game to back their players. One of the major reasons behind RCB's massive fan following is the presence of the superstar cricketer Virat Kohli.

Rohit-Kohli Factor

Rohit Sharma took charge as MI skipper in the middle of IPL 2013, replacing the legendary Ricky Ponting. The opening batter led MI to the title in the same edition. He also captained Mumbai in their successful campaigns in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Rohit connected with the MI fans even more because he is from Mumbai. The right-handed batter went on to become India's captain in February 2022, and this enhanced his popularity even further. When he was removed as captain ahead of IPL 2024, it ignited a firestorm of anger among the fans. While the 37-year-old might not be scoring too many runs this season, his fans are still flocking to the stadium every time in the hope of a big one.

On the other hand, Kohli is the only player to have represented one franchise in all the 18 seasons of the IPL. He is also the only Indian cricketer to win the IPL Orange Cap twice. Kohli led RCB from 2013 to 2021. He is the leading run-getter in IPL history. Apart from his surreal numbers in the IPL, the Delhi batter is a stalwart in international cricket. He became a reliable member of India's batting order across formats within a few years after making his international debut in 2008. The 36-year-old has also led the Men in Blue to some fine victories, and under his leadership, the Asian giants became a strong force in Test matches in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries. His presence helps RCB garner staggering viewership in all their games.

Detailed Analysis of Revenue Streams

i) Broadcast Revenue

The IPL’s media rights deal ensures that all 10 franchises gain an appreciable share of the revenue. However, MI benefits more due to its consistent performances and immense fan following. Their frequent appearances in the playoffs have also contributed to fetching them higher TV ratings, subsequently increasing their share of the revenue pool. Broadcast rights contribute to around 60% of MI's total revenue.

The franchise generated INR 737 crore revenue in FY24, more than doubling from INR 358 crore in FY23. And as far as brand value is concerned, Mumbai hits a whopping USD 12 billion, second-highest among all teams. This is not surprising, especially with champion players like Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rohit in their ranks. Winning the IPL title five times has also helped the Mumbai Indians earn a lot as prize money.

Meanwhile, RCB also enjoy commendable viewership numbers, especially with Kohli as the face of the franchise. The team has also signed some of the biggest stars in world cricket over the years. From Chris Gayle to AB de Villiers, RCB has been a home for superstars. RCB has earned INR 262 crore as of 2024. This shouldn't come as a surprise for anyone who has seen the fandom around the team.

ii) Sponsorship & Advertising Deals

Owned by the richest man in India - Mukesh Ambani - MI has signed some lucrative sponsorship deals over the years. Their popularity and hunger for success have helped them attract huge sponsors. In December 2023, MI secured a three-year jersey sponsorship deal with Lauritz Knudsen, worth a whopping INR 120 crore. Mumbai are partnering with famous entities like IDFC First Bank, Astral Pipes, Skechers, among others.

RCB, sponsored by Qatar Airways as their principal sponsor, has also partnered with several reputed brands, including boAt, KEI Wires, Exide, and Puma. The franchise’s total sponsorship revenue for the 2023 season was over USD 15.5 million.

iii) Merchandise Sales

Both teams fare fabulously when it comes to merchandise sales. RCB has one of the highest-selling jerseys among teams in the league. Merchandise sells like hotcakes, not just during the league but also in the off-season. It is quite similar for MI, who have a plethora of Indian stars in their setup. Apart from jerseys, caps, flags, and other accessories are quite popular among the fans.

iv) Overall Franchise Valuation

Mumbai Indians rank second in the list of most valued franchises in the IPL. They are only behind Chennai. Meanwhile, RCB comes third on the list. According to Brand Finance, as of their latest report, Mumbai Indians have a valuation of $119 million, recording a 36% rise from last year. RCB has risen to third place with a valuation of $117 million, courtesy of a 67% surge.

Check Here: Chennai Super Kings' Net Worth: How CSK generates revenue and grows its brand – Explained

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on publicly available sources and industry estimates. CricTracker does not claim responsibility for the accuracy of financial figures or revenue details. Readers should verify information from official sources before making any conclusions.