Rajasthan Royals Sold for ₹16,290 Crore: Who Is Kal Somani and Why RR Was Sold

Rajasthan Royals has a new owner. A consortium led by US-based investor Kal Somani has acquired a 100 per cent stake in the IPL franchise for USD 1.63 billion (Rs. 16,290 crore), marking another blockbuster deal in the league’s rapidly rising valuation curve.

Who owns Rajasthan Royals now?

The franchise is now owned by a Kal Somani-led consortium, which includes global investors such as Walmart, with full control set to transfer from Manoj Badale’s Emerging Media after the 2026 season.

The valuation places Rajasthan Royals among the IPL’s most valuable teams and comes close on the heels of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s $1.78 billion sale, underlining how franchises are now firmly in the $1.5–2 billion bracket.

Why the Rs. 16,290 crore deal matters

Few teams capture the IPL’s financial transformation like Rajasthan Royals. Bought for just $67 million in 2008, the franchise has seen its value multiply over 20 times. Back then, it was the least expensive of the original eight teams. Today, it sits comfortably among the league’s billion-dollar assets.

Who is Kal Somani?

Kal Somani, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a businessman with interests across sectors and sport. Apart from cricket, he has a strong association with golf and is linked to the Motor City Golf Club, which has ties to Tiger Woods. His son, Arjun Somani, is also an emerging golfer on the US junior circuit.

While Somani has been an existing shareholder in Rajasthan Royals, this deal marks his transition into the lead owner role.

Why Rajasthan Royals was sold

The sale is closely linked to investor dynamics within the franchise. RedBird Capital Partners, which acquired a minority stake in 2021, had a drag-along clause that allowed it to push for a full sale. Such clauses typically ensure higher valuations by enabling a controlling stake transaction rather than a partial exit.

With RedBird seeking an exit, existing stakeholders were effectively compelled to explore a complete sale.

Published on Mar 25, 2026