Top 10 Most Popular IPL Teams Based on Fan Following

Cricket isn’t just a game in India—it’s an emotion. And when it comes to the Indian Premier League (IPL), fan following decides everything from merchandise sales to match attendance and even brand endorsements.

In 2025, the IPL continues to be a magnet for millions of passionate supporters across the globe. So, which IPL team has the most fans? And who stands out among the most loyal IPL teams in 2025?

Let’s take a clear look at the top 10 IPL teams based on their fan following this season. This list uses updated data from social media trends, stadium attendance, merchandise sales, and online fan engagement metrics.

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

No surprises here. CSK continues to lead with the biggest fan army.

• Fan Base (2025): Over 45 million
• Key Reason for Popularity: MS Dhoni’s legacy, consistent team performance
• Social Media Following: Highest across Instagram and Facebook
• Loyalty Score: 9.8/10

Despite mixed results in the last couple of seasons, CSK fans have stood by the team through thick and thin. That loyalty pushes them to the top of the charts once again.

2. Mumbai Indians (MI)

The five-time champions hold a massive fan base, especially in Western India.

• Fan Base (2025): Around 43 million
• Key Reason for Popularity: Historical success, star-studded lineup
• Online Engagement: Top 3 in every platform
• Loyalty Score: 9.2/10

MI fans are used to winning. However, even during off-seasons, their fan activity stays strong. Their brand value also remains one of the highest in the league.

3. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

RCB has the strongest social media presence, thanks largely to Virat Kohli.

• Fan Base (2025): 40 million+
• Key Reason for Popularity: Star power, emotional support
• Merchandise Sales: Top-selling team gear
• Loyalty Score: 9.6/10

RCB hasn’t yet lifted the trophy, but their fans are arguably the most vocal and loyal. This dedication makes RCB one of the most followed teams year after year.

4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Backed by Bollywood and rich in cricketing history.

• Fan Base (2025): Around 34 million
• Key Reason for Popularity: Celebrity ownership, consistent branding
• Stadium Attendance: Consistently high at Eden Gardens
• Loyalty Score: 8.9/10

KKR fans have high expectations, and the team has built a strong relationship with its base through clever marketing and consistent fan interactions.

5. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Known for backing young Indian talent, RR’s following is growing rapidly.

• Fan Base (2025): 29 million
• Key Reason for Popularity: Fresh faces, inspirational stories
• YouTube Viewership: Among the highest
• Loyalty Score: 8.5/10

With a strong presence in Tier-2 cities, Rajasthan Royals appeal to fans who appreciate underdog stories and homegrown talent.

6. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Delhi’s resurgence in recent years has won them a loyal base.

• Fan Base (2025): 27 million
• Key Reason for Popularity: Young core, big city support
• Fan Events: Among the most frequent
• Loyalty Score: 8.3/10

Though the trophy still eludes them, their young squad and aggressive marketing are helping build a loyal community.

7. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

SRH’s fans are deeply loyal and proud of their team’s grit.

• Fan Base (2025): 26 million
• Key Reason for Popularity: Underdog stories, strong bowling units
• Regional Loyalty: Especially strong in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
• Loyalty Score: 8.7/10

Their fan base may be more regional, but it’s extremely loyal and active during matches.

8. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

A newer team but growing rapidly in popularity.

• Fan Base (2025): 23 million
• Key Reason for Popularity: Promising new faces, North India support
• Social Media Growth: 3rd fastest-growing team page
• Loyalty Score: 7.8/10

With just a couple of seasons under their belt, LSG is building a name for themselves among IPL fan communities.

9. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Despite inconsistency, their fan following remains strong.

• Fan Base (2025): 21 million
• Key Reason for Popularity: Unpredictability, strong local base
• Loyalty Score: 7.9/10

PBKS fans are hopeful, patient, and often emotional about their team. Their loyalty is admirable considering the team’s up-and-down performances.

10. Gujarat Titans (GT)

GT won the IPL in their debut season, which sparked a rapid fan base expansion.

• Fan Base (2025): 20 million
• Key Reason for Popularity: Early success, smart captaincy
• Fan Demographics: Younger crowd, mostly first-time IPL fans
• Loyalty Score: 7.5/10

Though newer, GT is showing signs of becoming a powerhouse both on and off the field.

Trends Behind the Numbers

Here’s what influences IPL fan following in 2025:

• Star Players: Big names like Dhoni, Kohli, and Rohit bring in millions.
• Legacy & Wins: Teams with titles and consistent performances build trust.
• Engagement: Teams with better digital outreach grow faster.
• Loyalty: Even losing sides can have loyal fans—just look at RCB and PBKS.

What Makes a Team’s Fanbase Loyal in 2025?

The most loyal IPL teams in 2025 aren’t just about wins. Here’s what really matters:

• Emotional connection with players
• Long-term branding consistency
• Engagement on and off the pitch
• Regional pride and cultural ties
• Support during tough seasons

These factors help teams like CSK, RCB, and KKR remain at the top—even when they don’t always win trophies.

FAQs:

Who has the most fans in IPL 2025?
Chennai Super Kings leads with the highest fan base, followed closely by Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

What makes RCB fans so loyal despite no titles?
It’s about emotional connection, consistent team branding, and the presence of icons like Virat Kohli that keep RCB’s fan base strong.

Why is CSK so popular?
MS Dhoni’s legacy, yellow army culture, and years of consistent performance make CSK a fan favorite.

How are IPL fan bases measured?
Through social media stats, merchandise sales, matchday attendance, and digital engagement levels.

Will newer teams like GT and LSG catch up in fan following?
Yes, if they continue to perform well and build strong identities, they can rise in the next few seasons.

Where do most IPL fans come from?
While India remains the core base, countries like the UAE, USA, Australia, and the UK also host large IPL fan communities.