Rajasthan Royals, one of the original IPL franchises and its inaugural 2008 champion, changed hands in early 2026 in one of the biggest ownership shakeups in the league’s history. A US-led consortium fronted by Kal Somani acquired the team for roughly $1.63 billion, bringing in an ownership group with deep ties to American pro sports.
What makes this sale especially notable is who’s involved. Rob Walton, part of the family that owns the Denver Broncos, and the Hamp family, who own the Detroit Lions, are both part of the new ownership consortium — connecting an IPL franchise directly to two NFL franchises already covered on this site.
Quick Facts
| Team | Rajasthan Royals |
|---|---|
| League | Indian Premier League (IPL) |
| New Owners (2026) | Kal Somani-led US consortium, including Rob Walton and the Hamp family |
| Sale Price | ~$1.63 billion |
| Founded | 2008 |
| IPL Titles | 1 (2008, inaugural season) |
Ownership History
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Franchise founded under original ownership including Manoj Badale and Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty; wins the inaugural IPL title |
| 2010s | Ownership structure involves Emerging Media and a consortium of investors, with the team facing a brief suspension in 2016-2017 over a spot-fixing scandal involving individuals connected to the team, not the core ownership group |
| 2024 | Manoj Badale continues as a lead figure in the ownership group heading into the team’s most successful title-contending seasons |
| Early 2026 | Team sold to a new US-led consortium fronted by Kal Somani for approximately $1.63 billion, with Denver Broncos owner Rob Walton and Detroit Lions owners the Hamp family among the investor group |
Key Ownership Highlights
- The 2026 sale connects Rajasthan Royals directly to two NFL franchises: the Denver Broncos (Rob Walton) and the Detroit Lions (the Hamp family), reflecting a broader trend of American sports capital flowing into the IPL.
- At roughly $1.63 billion, the sale reflects the IPL’s rapidly escalating franchise valuations, driven by massive broadcast and streaming rights deals.
- Rajasthan Royals remains historically significant as the winner of the very first IPL season in 2008, a title none of the new ownership group was involved in at the time.
FAQ
Who owns Rajasthan Royals now?
As of early 2026, the team is owned by a US-led consortium fronted by Kal Somani, which includes Denver Broncos owner Rob Walton and the Hamp family, owners of the Detroit Lions.
How much did the new owners pay for Rajasthan Royals?
The sale was valued at approximately $1.63 billion.
