RCB Became Most Valuable IPL Team, RR No. 2: Discover the New Owners
Before the on-field action, the IPL started to get limelight outside the field. Two massive franchise sales have changed the game. RCB became most valuable IPL team. This is the first time a team crossed the billion-dollar mark. Along with RCB, RR also did this. The team got $1.63 billion. Let’s break down everything in this KheloSports story.
RCB Became the Most Valuable IPL Team
It was anticipated that the tam is going to be sold. The previous owner, United Spirits, wanted to sell the team before the new season. They have sold the 100% stake of both men’s and women’s teams.
They sold the team for $1.78 billion. That is nearly 16 times what they paid in 2008. Earlier, the team got $111.6 million. With this, RCB became most expensive IPL team.
New Owners of RCB
A consortium of four big names bought RCB:
- Birla Group: Mangalam Birla led this deal.
- Times of India Group: The media giant. Gajwani will be the new vice-chairman.
- Bolt Ventures: Group of David Blitzer.
- Blackstone: This is their first sports team investment.
The consortium outbid others. Poonawala and Aditya Mittal were also in the race. Aryaman will hold this new position.
RCB New Ownership Structure
— CricInformer (@CricInformer) March 25, 2026
Chairman: Aryaman Vikram Birla (Aditya Birla Group)
Vice Chairman: Satyan Gajwani (Times of India Group)
Key consortium members:
David Blitzer (Bolt Ventures)
Viral Patel (CEO, BXPE – Blackstone) pic.twitter.com/Yr4DZrJ9oU
RR Sold in 15000 Crore+
The next team to sell out is RR. This deal took place before RCB. So the team first crossed the billion-dollar mark. The deal value is $1.63 billion.
New Owners of RR
A consortium led by Kal Somani bought RR. He is an Arizona-based tech entrepreneur. He founded IntraEdge and Truyo.AI.
His backers are big names:
- Rob Walton – Walmart heir. He bought the NFL team, the Denver Broncos, for $4.7 billion in 2022.
- Sheila Ford Hamp – Principal owner of NFL franchise Detroit Lions. She is a descendant of Ford and Firestone families.
There is a connection to Indian cricket here. Kal Somani’s son, Aryaman Somani, used to play for RR. He was part of the squad in previous seasons.
For RedBird Capital Partners, which picked up a 15 percent stake in RR in 2021, this deal gives them a 6x return.
🚨 RR Sold "Kal Somani-led consortium " ₹$ 1.63 BILLION 🚨
— Indian Cricket Netwrk (@ICN_Updates01) March 24, 2026
• US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani has won the bid to own the Rajasthan Royals franchise
• New ownership will apply after IPL 2026
pic.twitter.com/mWLPHM1Om7
IPL 2026 Valuation – Full Team List
Impact of This Buy on IPL 2026
What does this mean for the season? On the field, nothing changes immediately. Players will still play. Matches will happen. But off the field, the landscape has shifted.
- First, it shows confidence in IPL’s growth. The league’s business value is now estimated at $18.5 billion. Each franchise gets roughly $55 million annually from the central pool before sponsorships. That is a solid foundation.
- Second, new owners bring global expertise. David Blitzer owns multiple US and UK sports teams. The Walton family knows the sports business. This could mean better management, more international partnerships, and stronger brand building.
- Third, it sets the tone for the next media rights cycle. The current rights deal ends in 2027. With valuations like these, the next auction could be massive.
But there are questions too. The IPL season is short. Matchday income is smaller than that of football clubs. Some premiums are based on future growth, not just present numbers. Still, the deals show investors are betting big on cricket’s future.
Interestingly, Virat Kohli recently revealed what he feels is the toughest part of IPL 2026. His thoughts give a deeper look into the pressure players face at the top level. You can read the full story here:
Virat Kohli Opens Up On IPL 2026 Title Triumph, Reveals “Toughest Part” Of Final
Bottom Line
RCB became most valuable IPL team. The $1.78 billion sale puts them at the top. RR follows at $1.63 billion. RCB was bought by the Birla Group and partners, while RR was bought by Kal Somani.
The IPL has left the rest of cricket behind in terms of franchise value. That is now clear. How high the ceiling goes remains to be seen. For more such cricket updates, keep following KheloSports.
FAQs
Ans: Birla Group and 3 other partners bought the franchise.
Ans: New valuation of the team is $1.63 billion.
Ans: Yes, both the men's and women’s teams were bought by the Birla group.
Ans: Yes. Now, the team is the most valuable franchise in IPL.
