Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have together earned over ₹457 crore through IPL fees over the years, according to the Fanatic Sports Hurun India’s Most Valuable Sports Teams 2026 report. Kohli leads the all-time IPL cumulative earners list with ₹230.2 crore, while Rohit follows with ₹227.2 crore. Together, the two Indian cricket icons sit just short of the ₹500 crore mark, showing how the IPL has turned elite players into some of India’s biggest sporting earners.
The figures come at a time when the Indian Premier League itself has reached unprecedented financial heights. The report values the IPL at ₹1.63 lakh crore, or nearly $18 billion, making it one of the most valuable sports leagues in the world. The average IPL franchise is now estimated to be worth around $1.8 billion.
What was once viewed purely as a cricket tournament has evolved into a giant sports business ecosystem powered by media rights, sponsorships, merchandising, digital engagement and global fan communities.
Kolkata Knight Riders currently lead the valuation charts among IPL franchises. The Shah Rukh Khan-backed franchise is valued between ₹19,200 crore and ₹22,500 crore, ahead of Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, both of which have won five IPL titles each.
Mumbai Indians are valued between ₹18,400 crore and ₹21,700 crore, while Chennai Super Kings stand between ₹18,400 crore and ₹20,700 crore. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, despite winning only one title, have reached a valuation of ₹16,700 crore, highlighting the commercial strength of fan loyalty and brand engagement.
Kohli’s financial journey mirrors that transformation. Having spent his entire IPL career with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he remains one of the league’s biggest commercial faces. Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, became synonymous with Mumbai Indians during one of the most successful captaincy eras in IPL history.
The all-time cumulative earnings list also includes M.S. Dhoni with ₹200.3 crore, Ravindra Jadeja with ₹157 crore and Rishabh Pant with ₹137.8 crore. Overseas players have also benefited significantly from the league’s rise, with Sunil Narine earning ₹137.2 crore during his IPL career.
Presently, the maximum number of players participating in any Indian league is recorded in the Indian Super League, which boasts 455 athletes, whereas the IPL comes second with 249 athletes, followed by Pro Kabaddi League with 235. The women’s game of cricket has also seen considerable progress.
The talent map of India is expanding rapidly. Mumbai leads the country in athlete representation across six major leagues, followed by Delhi, Sonipat, Kolkata and Rohtak. Haryana continues to dominate kabaddi, while football talent is increasingly emerging from states such as Mizoram, Manipur and Kerala.
The commercial interest is following the talent.
Franchises are now being treated as long-term investment assets. Athletes are becoming high-value personal brands. Regional leagues are creating local economies around sport. The IPL remains the crown jewel, but the broader Indian sports industry is beginning to stand on multiple pillars.
For years, sport in India was seen mainly as entertainment. The numbers now suggest something much bigger is unfolding. Indian sport is becoming a serious business sector capable of building enduring enterprises alongside iconic athletes.
Also Read: Who Owns Your Team Now? IPL’s Latest Ownership Breakdown
