In a sport that unites over 2.5 billion fans, the business of cricket is booming—and nothing reflects that more than the rapid rise of cricket franchises. Among them, one stands out above the rest. The biggest cricket franchise in the world isn’t just about popularity on the field—it’s about numbers, global reach, business strategy, and fan loyalty. So, who owns it, and how much money do they really make?
In this article, we break down ownership, revenue, brand value, and what sets the most dominant cricket team apart from the rest.
What Defines the Biggest Cricket Franchise in the World?
To be considered the biggest, a cricket franchise must check several boxes:
- Brand value
- Fan base
- Revenue and profit
- Social media presence
- Trophy count and performance
- Influence in global T20 cricket
While other leagues like SA20, BBL, and The Hundred are growing, the Indian Premier League (IPL) remains the gold standard for franchise cricket.
The Top Contenders: A Quick Look
Before we dive into the ownership of the top dog, here’s a quick snapshot of the biggest names in franchise cricket:
| Franchise | Country | League | Estimated Brand Value (2024) | IPL Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | India | IPL | $87 million | 5 |
| Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | India | IPL | $81 million | 5 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | India | IPL | $78 million | 2 |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | India | IPL | $75 million | 0 |
| Delhi Capitals | India | IPL | $72 million | 0 |
Based on these numbers, Mumbai Indians take the lead in both revenue and brand value, making them the biggest cricket franchise in the world.
Who Owns Mumbai Indians?
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), India’s most valuable company by market capitalization, owns the Mumbai Indians through its subsidiary IndiaWin Sports Pvt Ltd.
Key Owner:
- Mukesh Ambani
- Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries
- Net Worth (2024): Estimated at $95 billion
- Ownership via: Nita Ambani-led sports division
Company Behind the Team:
- IndiaWin Sports Pvt Ltd
- Wholly-owned subsidiary of RIL
- Focuses solely on sports and media investments
Management:
- Nita Ambani, co-owner, plays an active role in team operations
- Akash Ambani is involved in strategic planning and talent management
Mumbai Indians: Revenue and Brand Power
The Mumbai Indians are more than a cricket team. They are a profit-making machine with multiple revenue streams:
💰 Estimated Revenue (2024):
- $85–90 million annually
🔹 Revenue Sources:
- Broadcast Rights: Share of IPL’s central media deal with Star Sports and Viacom18 (BCCI earns $6.2B over 5 years)
- Sponsorships: Over 20 brand partners, including DHL, Slice, Marriott, Jio, and Dream11
- Merchandise Sales: Jerseys, caps, collectibles
- Gate Revenue: Matchday tickets and hospitality boxes at Wankhede Stadium
- International Expansion: Sister teams in South Africa (MI Cape Town) and UAE (MI Emirates)
Why Mumbai Indians Are the Biggest Cricket Franchise in the World
1. Financial Power
Reliance’s deep pockets mean MI has access to top resources, training facilities, and staff. They can afford the best players, analysts, and infrastructure.
2. Fan Loyalty
Over 35 million followers across platforms. They are the most followed IPL team on Instagram and Facebook.
3. Performance
5 IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020) and multiple playoff appearances. Their record speaks volumes.
4. Talent Development
Players like Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Surya Kumar Yadav came through their system.
5. Global Expansion
MI is building a global cricket brand with teams in the SA20 League and IL T20, pushing beyond Indian borders.
Other Noteworthy Owners in Franchise Cricket
🟡 Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Owner: India Cements Limited
- Face of the Franchise: MS Dhoni
- Revenue: Approx. $78 million (2024)
- Known for emotional fan connect and consistency.
🔵 Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- Owner: United Spirits (a Diageo subsidiary)
- Fan Base: Massive, despite never winning an IPL title
- Revenue: ~$70 million
🟣 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Owners: Red Chillies Entertainment (Shah Rukh Khan), Juhi Chawla, Jay Mehta
- Brand Value: Driven heavily by celebrity ownership
- Revenue: Approx. $73 million
Real-Life Business Case: MI’s ROI
In 2008, IndiaWin Sports bought the franchise for $111.9 million. Today, it’s worth nearly $900 million, factoring in brand value and associated teams.
📈 Return on Investment (ROI):
- More than 8x return in 16 years
- Continues to grow due to IPL’s expanding global audience
Expert Opinions
Boria Majumdar, cricket historian:
“MI’s model blends business excellence with cricketing success. No other franchise has built such a seamless ecosystem across continents.”
Forbes India (2024):
“Mumbai Indians is the single most valuable cricket franchise in the world today, surpassing even CSK and RCB in total media value and fan monetization.”
Pros & Cons of Owning a Cricket Franchise
✅ Pros:
- Massive brand exposure
- Fast-growing revenue
- Global expansion potential
- Media rights windfall
❌ Cons:
- High initial investment
- Volatility in on-field performance
- Reliance on BCCI/IPL ecosystem
FAQs
Q1: Who owns the biggest cricket franchise in the world?
A: Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries owns the Mumbai Indians, the biggest cricket franchise.
Q2: How much does Mumbai Indians earn annually?
A: Between $85–90 million from media, sponsorship, merchandise, and ticketing.
Q3: Is Mumbai Indians more valuable than CSK?
A: Yes. MI has a slightly higher brand value and wider international footprint.
Q4: Do other MI franchises perform well?
A: Yes, MI Emirates and MI Cape Town are building their own fanbases and talent pipelines.
Q5: Can a franchise outside IPL become the biggest?
A: Unlikely in the near future, given IPL’s dominance in media rights and global reach.
Final Thoughts
The title of the biggest cricket franchise in the world belongs firmly to the Mumbai Indians, backed by one of the richest companies in India. With unmatched revenue, five IPL titles, and global expansion, they set the gold standard for what a sports franchise can achieve in the cricketing world.
As T20 cricket spreads globally, MI is not just competing—they’re leading. And with their robust ownership and relentless growth, they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
If you enjoyed this article, share it with your cricket-loving friends and let us know in the comments which team YOU think is the biggest.
