Our Bureau
New Delhi
A consortium led by US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani has acquired the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals in a landmark deal valued at $1.63 billion (approximately ₹16,000 crore), marking a significant moment in the commercial evolution of cricket.
The acquisition, positions the Rajasthan Royals among the most valuable sports franchises globally and highlights the IPL’s growing appeal to international investors. The deal, expected to come into effect after the 2026 season, involves a complete transfer of ownership from Emerging Media Ventures, which previously controlled the franchise.
Kal Somani, a technology entrepreneur based in the United States, is known for his ventures in artificial intelligence, data privacy, and education technology. He had already held a minority stake in the franchise since 2021, making this acquisition a strategic expansion of his involvement in cricket. His consortium is reportedly backed by prominent global investors, including members of the Walmart family and the Hamp family, who have stakes in American sports franchises.
The Rajasthan Royals, founded in 2008, were the inaugural IPL champions under Shane Warne. Over the years, the franchise has built a reputation for nurturing young talent and maintaining competitive performances, including a runner-up finish in 2022.
Industry experts view the $1.63 billion valuation as a reflection of the IPL’s rapidly expanding financial ecosystem, driven by lucrative media rights deals, global fan engagement, and increasing corporate interest. The sale also represents a dramatic rise in value from the franchise’s original purchase price of around $67 million in 2008.
This record-breaking transaction underscores a broader trend of globalization in cricket, with the IPL emerging as a premier sporting and business platform attracting investors from across the world.
