Summary of this article
Rajasthan Royals set for USD 1.63 billion (approx INR 15,290 crore) sale to Kal Somani-led consortium
Walmart heir Rob Walton part of investor group in major IPL deal
RR to begin IPL 2026 campaign against Chennai Super Kings on March 30
With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 just days away, Rajasthan Royals have already made headlines off the field with a landmark ownership change that signals a new phase for the franchise. One of the original teams in the league, the Royals are now set to be taken over by a global consortium in what is being described as one of the biggest deals in IPL history.
A group led by US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani has agreed to acquire Rajasthan Royals for a reported USD 1.63 billion (approximately INR 15,290 crore), underlining the sharp rise in franchise valuations in recent years.
The deal, which has already been signed, is expected to be completed after the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season, with the transition of ownership taking place post-tournament.
The consortium includes high-profile global investors, notably Walmart heir Rob Walton and members of the Hamp family, who are linked to NFL franchise ownership. Their involvement reflects the increasing crossover between global sports leagues and investors from different industries, including retail, technology, and professional sports.
For Rajasthan Royals, the move represents a major shift after years of relatively stable ownership. The franchise, which won the inaugural IPL title in 2008, now enters a new era backed by deep financial resources and international expertise. The deal also highlights how IPL teams are no longer just cricketing entities but global sports assets attracting billion-dollar investments.
Who is Kal Somani?
Kal Somani is a US-based entrepreneur known for building businesses across technology, education, and data-driven sectors. He is the founder of companies such as IntraEdge, Truyo, Truyo.AI, and Academian, with a focus on areas like artificial intelligence, data privacy, and enterprise solutions.
Interestingly, Somani is not entirely new to Rajasthan Royals, having previously held a minority stake in the franchise. His involvement in sports extends beyond cricket as well, including investments in sports technology and ventures like golf leagues, showing a broader interest in the global sports business ecosystem.
Record valuation sets new IPL benchmark
The Rajasthan Royals deal resets the benchmark for IPL franchise valuations. At USD 1.63 billion (around INR 15,290 crore), the takeover makes the Royals the first team in the league to cross the billion-dollar mark, reflecting how rapidly the business side of the IPL has grown in recent years.
To put that into perspective, when new franchises were introduced in 2022, the Lucknow Super Giants were bought by the RPSG Group for USD 940 million, which was then seen as a massive valuation. Similarly, a majority stake in Gujarat Titans was later sold to the Torrent Group at a USD 575 million deal, valuing the franchise at under USD 900 million overall.
