Who is Kal Somani? Rajasthan Royals Sold for Rs. 15,000 Crore: Biggest Deal in IPL History

Ahead of the IPL 2026, the Rajasthan Royals have reportedly been sold for a record-breaking amount of over Rs. 15,000 crore. This is the biggest deal and franchise sale in the history of the Indian Premier League. IPL 2026 is all set to start from March 28, 2026, and it will end on July 31, 2026.

According to the reports, US-based businessman Kal Somani has acquired a 100% stake in the franchise for around $1.65 Billion (Rs. 15,300 crore). However, the deal is expected to come into effect after the IPL 2026 season, and the current management will continue to run the team in the upcoming season.

Kal Somani had already invested in the Rajasthan Royals in 2021 by buying a minority stake. Over the years, he showed his interest in a full takeover, and now, after the IPL 2026, he has become the complete owner of the Rajasthan Royals. Kal Somani is backed by some of the powerful names in the United States, including Rob Walton and the Hamp Family.

Before this acquisition, the majority stake in the Rajasthan Royals was held by Manoj Badale through Emerging Media Ventures. However, there were other stakeholders in the franchise, including RedBird Capital Partners and Lachlan Murdoch. The process to sell the franchise began last year, and multiple investors showed interest in buying the team.

Gujarat Titans sold for Rs. 7,500 crore

Last year, the IPL 2022 winner, the Gujarat Titans (GT), was valued at around Rs. 7,500 crore as Torrent Group bought a majority stake in the franchise. Rajasthan Royals' valuation crossed Rs. 15,000 crore, which is almost double the valuation of the Gujarat Titans.

The Rajasthan Royals are one of the original IPL teams and the winners of the inaugural season (2008). Over the years, the franchise has built a strong fan base and is known for backing young talent. Players like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jasiwal are one of the key figures of the franchise after Sanju Samson was traded to CSK for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

Kal Somani has a strong background in technology and sports investments. He is the founder of companies like IntraEdge & Truyo and has also invested in global sports ventures like TMRW sports. It will be interesting to see how he will lead the franchise after getting full ownership of the Rajasthan Royals.

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