The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 ended on a high note, especially for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans. After years of waiting and near misses, RCB finally won their maiden IPL title by defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The victory marked a significant moment in the franchise’s history and gave their loyal supporters a reason to celebrate like never before.
While the joy of RCB’s win is still fresh, another conversation that has caught attention is the prize money. How much did the winners and runners-up receive? What is the total prize pool? How does it compare to previous seasons? These questions highlight how the IPL is not just about cricket anymore – it’s also a massive business event.
IPL Prize Money details revealed
As per the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the total prize pool for IPL 2025 is an impressive INR 46.5 crore. The breakdown is as follows: the champions, RCB, took home INR 20 crore. The runners-up, Punjab Kings, earned INR 12.5 crore. The team that lost in Qualifier 2 received INR 6.5 crore, and the losing Eliminator team got INR 2.5 crore. These are significant figures, and they reflect the growing scale and commercial appeal of the tournament.
Over the years, IPL prize money has seen a steady rise. Earlier editions of the league had a prize pool of around INR 30–35 crore. But as the IPL expanded in reach, drew in more sponsorship, and became a global cricketing event, the financial rewards also increased. The 2025 numbers show that the BCCI is continuing to invest more into the league while also making sure top-performing teams are rewarded handsomely.
But there’s more to it than just money. For a team like RCB, winning the IPL was not just about INR 20 crore. It was about legacy, validation, and finally ending a long wait that spanned 17 seasons. That trophy will matter far more to the fans than the cheque. Similarly, Punjab Kings may be disappointed to finish second, but the INR 12.5 crore prize provides a strong financial base to build from next season.
What this prize money also does is help franchises plan their future. These earnings can be used to invest in better infrastructure, coaching staff, or player retention strategies. Even for teams that didn’t reach the final, there is a strong incentive to perform well—not just for pride, but for financial stability too.
Overall, the IPL 2025 prize money structure reflects the league’s maturity as a professional sports entity. It’s no longer just about entertaining fans with big hits and last-over thrillers. The IPL has become a key part of the sports economy, and the way prize money is allocated proves that high performance gets high rewards.
Still, what matters most at the end of the day is not just the money. It’s the unforgettable moments, the stories of redemption, and the emotional connect teams build with their fans. RCB’s win will be remembered not for the ₹20 crore they earned, but for the tears, cheers, and joy it brought to millions.