Rajasthan Royals Sold for $1.635 Billion to US-Based Consortium in Landmark Deal

Rajasthan Royals (RR), one of the founding franchises of the Indian Premier League, have been sold for a massive US $1.635 billion (approx. INR 15,290 crore) to a consortium of US-based investors led by Kal Somani. The deal marks another record-breaking valuation in the rapidly expanding IPL ecosystem.

The consortium includes prominent names from American sports ownership, such as Rob Walton and Michael Hamp, further highlighting the growing global appeal of IPL franchises. In addition to the Rajasthan Royals IPL team, the deal also covers ownership of their associated teams—Paarl Royals in SA20 and Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League.

The Somani-led group emerged victorious after multiple rounds of bidding, reportedly outbidding several high-profile contenders including investors linked to Manchester United and major Indian conglomerates. The new owners are understood to be bullish on the IPL’s long-term commercial potential and India’s fast-growing sports market.

The transaction is currently in its final stages, with negotiations ongoing with existing majority owner Manoj Badale. It will require formal approval from the BCCI before being completed in the coming weeks.

The scale of the deal represents extraordinary growth for the franchise, which was originally purchased for just $67 million in 2008. In rupee terms, the current valuation is nearly 57 times higher, underlining the IPL’s transformation into one of the world’s most lucrative sports leagues.

On the field, the ownership change will not affect Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2026 campaign. The team, now led by new captain Riyan Parag, will begin their season against Chennai Super Kings on March 30.

With strong financial backing and international expertise, the new ownership signals a new chapter for Rajasthan Royals both on and off the field.

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