Rajasthan Royals have a new owner just days before IPL 2026. Kal Somani has taken full control of the franchise in a deal worth US$1.6 billion, making RR one of the most valuable teams in the league.
Somani, who was earlier a minority shareholder, now owns 100 percent of the franchise through a consortium that includes Walmart. This marks a complete ownership shift for the team.
Former majority owner Manoj Badale and his company Emerging Media have exited the franchise entirely. It ends a long chapter for RR, who were among the original IPL teams since 2008.
Somani is a US-based tech entrepreneur in his mid-50s. He is the founder and CEO of companies like Truyo, Academian, and IntraEdge, and is known for building businesses in the data and tech space.
RR’s high valuation comes from their strong reputation for spotting young talent. Over the years, they have backed players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel.
The franchise has also made headlines recently by investing in 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The young batter stunned everyone by scoring the fastest IPL century by an Indian on debut.
A Fresh Push for The Title
Despite their strong talent pipeline, Rajasthan Royals have not won the IPL since their first title in 2008. They have come close a few times but have failed to finish on top.
With new ownership and a fresh leadership setup, Somani is expected to push hard for a second IPL trophy. The focus will likely remain on youth development along with smarter team building.
This takeover signals a new phase for RR. The franchise now hopes to turn its consistent talent success into championship wins.