Source TOI
JAIPUR – In a landmark deal that marks the highest valuation in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), a US-based consortium led by tech entrepreneur Kal Somani has successfully acquired the Rajasthan Royals for a staggering $1.63 billion (approximately ₹13,500 crore).
The deal, which saw Somani’s group outbid heavyweights like the Aditya Birla Group and the Times of India group, signals a massive shift in the league’s financial landscape. The Rajasthan Royals, famously the “moneyball” champions of the inaugural 2008 season, were originally purchased for just $67 million, representing a phenomenal 2,332% increase in value over 19 years.
High-Power Backing
While Kal Somani—a Scottsdale-based entrepreneur with deep roots in AI, ed-tech, and data privacy—leads the charge, the consortium boasts an impressive roster of global sporting and financial titans:
Rob Walton: Heir to the Walmart fortune and owner of the NFL’s Denver Broncos.
The Hamp Family: Led by Sheila Ford Hamp, owners of the NFL’s Detroit Lions and prominent figures in the Ford Motor Company legacy.
Somani, who has held a minority stake in the franchise since 2021, expressed long-term confidence in the league’s trajectory. “We see huge potential with this investment and are excited for the future of the IPL,” he stated following the announcement.
Transition Timeline
Fans of the “Pink Army” won’t see immediate changes in the front office. According to the terms of the acquisition:
The current ownership, led by Manoj Badale’s Emerging Media, will remain in control through the upcoming IPL 2026 season.
The full transfer of power and 100% stake ownership is expected to take effect in June 2026, following the conclusion of the tournament.
A New Valuation Floor
This transaction officially makes Rajasthan Royals the first IPL franchise to cross the billion-dollar sale mark. Industry analysts suggest this deal sets a new “price floor” for the league, with other major franchises like Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) now expected to command valuations exceeding $2 billion in future sales.
As the IPL 2026 season prepares to kick off on March 28, the Royals—led on the field by captain Riyan Parag—will begin their final campaign under the current administration before ushering in a new era of American-backed ownership.
