$1.63 Billion Deal: Rajasthan Royals SOLD Ahead of IPL 2026

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Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals has been sold to a US-based consortium led by entrepreneur Kal Somani in a deal valued at $1.63 billion, marking one of the biggest ownership transactions in IPL history.

According to reports, the consortium includes prominent global investors such as Rob Walton of the Walmart family and members of the Hamp family, known for their association with Ford Motor Company. The ownership transfer is expected to come into effect after the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season, with a formal announcement anticipated later this evening.

The sale makes Rajasthan Royals one of the most valuable franchises in world cricket and highlights the continued commercial growth of the IPL as a global sporting property.

Rajasthan Royals Ownership Deal Details And New Investors

The Kal Somani-led group has reportedly acquired 100% ownership of Rajasthan Royals, the IPL's inaugural champions in 2008.

The involvement of major international business families adds significant financial backing and global visibility to the franchise. Rob Walton is widely known as an heir to the Walmart fortune, while the Hamp family holds a major stake in Ford Motor Company, making the consortium one of the most high-profile ownership groups in IPL history.

Ownership control will officially shift to the new consortium after IPL 2026, allowing current operations to continue unchanged during the ongoing season.

Rajasthan Royals Valuation Highlights IPL's Growing Global Value

The $1.63 billion valuation underscores the IPL's status as the world's most valuable T20 league and reflects growing investor interest in cricket franchises.

For comparison, London Spirit-currently the most expensive team in England's The Hundred-was valued at approximately $370 million during its stake sale. The Rajasthan Royals deal therefore represents a significantly higher valuation, reinforcing the IPL's financial dominance in global franchise cricket.

With new ownership set to take charge after IPL 2026, Rajasthan Royals are expected to enter a new phase of growth, with increased investment, infrastructure expansion, and long-term commercial opportunities likely to follow.