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Rajasthan Royals' Billion-Dollar Sale: All You Need to Know About RR's New Owners and Other Sporting Investments
The $1.63 billion deal, led by Kal Somani and backed by Walmart and Hamp families, sets a new IPL valuation record amid strong global investor interest.
- US-Based entrepreneur Kal Somani has won the bid to acquire the Rajasthan Royals franchise in the Indian Premier League for approximately $1.63 billion, making it the most expensive IPL franchise ever.
- Somani secured full ownership after prevailing in a competitive bidding process against the Times Group and a Birla Group-backed bid, having been a shareholder in the franchise since 2021.
- The consortium is backed by Rob Walton of the Walmart family and the Hamp family, which holds majority ownership of the Detroit Lions, reinforcing the franchise's new ownership structure.
- Ownership changes take effect from June, though current leadership under Manoj Badale will continue managing the team through the conclusion of the 2026 season amid intense global investor interest in the IPL ecosystem.
- Somani brings extensive experience from companies including IntraEdge and Truyo, alongside sports ventures like the TGL Golf League and Motor City Golf Club, positioning him to apply technology expertise to the franchise.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Just before the start of the 19th season of the IPL, news of the Rajasthan Royals' sale has surfaced. The team has been purchased by American businessman Kal Somani. He has been associated with the Rajasthan Royals since 2021. Rajasthan won the IPL title in 2008.
Rajasthan Royals sold for $1.63 billion: Who is Kal Somani, the man behind IPL’s biggest deal?
Ahead of IPL 2026, Kal Somani, a US-based entrepreneur, led a consortium to acquire Rajasthan Royals for a staggering $1.63 billion, making it one of the costliest deals in the history of IPL. Here's everything you need to know about the man at the helm of this massive deal.
Rajasthan Royals' billion-dollar sale: All you need to know about RR's new owners and other sporting investments
Rajasthan Royals became the first team to be sold for over a billion dollars on Tuesday, 24 March. Here's everything you need to know about the consortium led by US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani that has acquired 100 per cent control in the 2008 IPL champions.
Rajasthan Royals become most expensive IPL franchise ever, sold for Rs 15290 crore
Kal Somani has acquired Rajasthan Royals for USD 1.6 billion, leading a Walmart-backed consortium. The Times Group finished second in bidding, while current owner Manoj Badale will remain in charge until the end of the 2026 IPL season.
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