IPL 2026: Ambani-owned Mumbai Indians deepen brand play with 30+ partnerships, 20% growth in sponsorship pool

Ambani-owned Mumbai Indians has reinforced its position as one of India’s most commercially powerful sports franchises, entering the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season with more than 30 brand partnerships and a sponsorship pool that has grown 20% year-on-year.

The franchise has added 10 new partners this season while expanding into five new brand categories, underlining its growing appeal across sectors ranging from aviation and technology to beverages, mobility and lifestyle.

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A Mumbai Indians spokesperson said, "Mumbai Indians isn't just a cricket team — it's a platform that brands choose to tell their biggest stories. Year after year, the most ambitious brands trust MI to connect them with millions of fans, authentically and at scale. The 2026 season again is proof that trust is only deepening."

Among the new additions, Malaysia Airlines stands out, marking the carrier’s first sports partnership in India. The airline’s entry through MI highlights the franchise’s role as a gateway for global brands seeking access to the Indian market. Other new partners include Budweiser 0.0, Avon Cycles and Oaksmith packaged drinking water, alongside a deeper engagement with Google across products such as Flex by Google Pay, Google Search AI and Gemini.

The franchise has also seen Colgate rejoin its roster, signalling renewed confidence from category leaders, while long-standing partners such as Lauritz Knudsen, Astral Pipes, Jio, Skechers, Cadbury and Amul continue to anchor its commercial portfolio. Brands like Usha, DHL, Astral Pipes and BKT have maintained associations spanning over five years, reflecting sustained advertiser confidence.

Beyond traditional sponsorships, Mumbai Indians is increasingly positioning itself as a broader consumer and cultural platform. Partnerships with youth-focused brands such as Skechers, Netflix, Pokémon, Plum and Big Ant Studios aim to keep the franchise embedded in lifestyle and entertainment ecosystems.

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The team is also expanding into direct-to-consumer initiatives, with co-created merchandise planned with Plum and Colgate on the MI Shop, and MI-inspired product lines from Avon Cycles.

Off the field, the franchise is investing in deeper fan engagement through initiatives like MI-X, a cultural platform blending sport, music and entertainment, as well as the upcoming MI Café, envisioned as a year-round fan destination.

The strategy reflects a shift beyond cricket, as Mumbai Indians looks to evolve into a multi-dimensional brand platform—one that extends its relevance well past the IPL season.