Rajasthan Royals, one of the original franchises of the Indian Premier League, have been sold to a consortium led by US entrepreneur Kal Somani in a deal worth approximately $1.63 billion.
New ownership structure
The consortium includes investors from multiple sectors, including major retail and sports ownership backgrounds. The group has acquired 100% ownership of the Jaipur-based franchise.
This marks a significant transition for the team, which was previously majority-owned by British-Indian businessman Manoj Badale.
From early investment to major valuation
The franchise has seen substantial value growth over the years, with early stakes originally acquired for far less than the current valuation.
The deal reflects the increasing commercial value and global appeal of IPL teams in the sports investment market.
League and regulatory approval
The sale is subject to approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which also takes a percentage of the transaction value as part of its regulations.
Future outlook
The new ownership group is expected to take control following the 2026 IPL season, continuing the team’s evolution both on and off the field as franchise cricket continues to attract major global investment.