In a landmark development that underscores the soaring commercial value of franchise cricket, Rajasthan Royals have been sold for more than Rs 15,000 crore in one of the biggest deals in Indian Premier League (IPL) history.
A consortium led by US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani has secured 100 per cent ownership of the franchise at a reported valuation of $1.63 billion (approximately Rs 15,286 crore). Somani, founder of IntraEdge, Academian, and Truyo.AI, is backed by powerful American investors including Rob Walton of the Walmart family and the Hamp family, majority owners of NFL side Detroit Lions. Sheila Ford Hamp also belongs to the Ford family, co-owners of the Ford Motor Company.
At the time of the agreement, the Rajasthan Royals sale briefly stood as the most expensive franchise deal in IPL history, before being surpassed by the subsequent sale of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. According to reports, the ownership transition is expected to take effect after the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season.
The massive deal highlights the continued financial boom of the IPL, widely regarded as the most lucrative cricket league in the world, with franchise valuations reaching unprecedented levels driven by global investor interest.
Meanwhile, on the sporting front, Rajasthan Royals have made a key squad change ahead of the 2026 season, announcing Sri Lankan all-rounder and T20I captain Dasun Shanaka as a replacement for injured England international Sam Curran.
Curran, who had been traded to Rajasthan Royals from Chennai Super Kings ahead of the season, has been ruled out due to injury. The trade had also involved Indian star Ravindra Jadeja, while Sanju Samson moved in the opposite direction as part of a high-profile exchange between the franchises.
Reacting to the development, Rajasthan Royals’ Director of Cricket and Head Coach Kumar Sangakkara expressed disappointment at losing Curran but welcomed Shanaka as a strong replacement.
“We are disappointed to lose a player of Sam’s calibre so close to the start of the season. Sam brings immense value with both bat and ball. However, we are pleased to have found an ideal replacement in Dasun Shanaka, a finisher with the bat and a quality all-rounder who helps maintain the balance of our side,” Sangakkara said.
According to an official IPL statement, Shanaka will join Rajasthan Royals for a fee of INR 2 crore. The Sri Lankan all-rounder brings significant international experience, having represented Sri Lanka in Tests, One Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals, with over 3,350 runs and 86 wickets to his name. He has also previously featured in the IPL for Gujarat Titans.
As Rajasthan Royals prepare for a new era under high-profile ownership, both on and off the field, the franchise appears set to remain at the centre of cricket’s ever-expanding financial and competitive landscape.
English (United States) ·