The IPL 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) has rewritten the history books, becoming the most valuable T20 match ever staged — both in terms of commercial success and viewership records. The grand finale, played at a jam-packed Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, delivered on every front, with on-field drama, off-field glamour, and unprecedented financial numbers making it a truly historic event in cricket’s evolution.
The match, which saw RCB finally clinch their maiden IPL title after years of heartbreak, was already a highly anticipated clash. Add to that the underdog rise of PBKS — a team that had never reached an IPL final until this season — and the stage was set for a thrilling encounter. As the two teams locked horns, with passionate fan bases backing them from every corner of the country, the final attracted record-breaking attention.
According to tournament organizers and media analysts, the 2025 IPL final raked in the highest-ever revenue for a single T20 match. Estimates suggest that combined earnings from broadcasting rights, ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorship deals crossed ₹1,200 crore (approximately $145 million). Major global brands battled for advertising slots during the final broadcast, with 10-second spots reportedly selling for over ₹30 lakh — a staggering figure that eclipsed even Super Bowl-level numbers in India’s market.
In terms of digital and television viewership, the match smashed all previous records. The final garnered over 750 million live views across television and streaming platforms, making it the most-watched T20 cricket match in history. Platforms reported traffic surges so intense that several streaming apps experienced momentary outages, reflecting the frenzy the contest had stirred across households and mobile screens alike.
The match itself was a spectacle of high-octane cricket. RCB, led by a resurgent Virat Kohli and tactically guided by Faf du Plessis and head coach Andy Flower, posted a challenging total on the board. PBKS, captained by the ever-resilient Shikhar Dhawan, came close but ultimately fell short in the final overs, thanks to some tight bowling and electric fielding by RCB. Kohli, who scored a crucial 78 in the final, was named Player of the Match, cementing his legacy as one of T20 cricket’s most impactful performers.
Beyond numbers and performances, the 2025 final held emotional value for millions. RCB’s elusive title drought finally ended, sending Bengaluru into celebrations rarely seen in the franchise’s history. The victory parade and city-wide celebrations the following day attracted lakhs of fans, making it one of the grandest IPL title celebrations to date.
Cricket analysts and former players hailed the final as a milestone in T20 cricket’s evolution. The sheer scale of fan engagement, financial impact, and sporting quality demonstrated the global power of the IPL and its unmatched ability to blend entertainment with elite cricket.
The RCB vs PBKS final wasn’t just a cricket match — it was a cultural phenomenon, a commercial giant, and a sporting classic all rolled into one. With records shattered and legacies redefined, the IPL 2025 final has firmly secured its place in cricketing folklore.