Rajasthan Royals on track to be IPL’s first $1 billion team, RCB next in line

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are close to becoming the first IPL team to be valued beyond the 1 billion dollar-mark (approximately Rs 9,215 crore). 

All about Rajasthan Royals becoming first IPL team to be valued beyond the 1 billion dollar-mark 

According to recent reports, RR is on track to cross the $1 billion valuation threshold, with four bidders submitting offers ranging from roughly $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion.

Incidentally, the most expensive IPL franchise to date is the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), which was bought by the RPSG Group for around Rs 7,090 crore.

The Rajasthan Royals are currently owned by Emerging Media Ventures in partnership with RedBird Capital Partners and Tiger Global.

Among those bidding is American investor Kal Somani, who already holds a stake in the franchise. He is joined by major players such as Times Internet, Blackstone Inc., and Carlyle Group Inc., all interested in tapping into the IPL's booming commercial ecosystem.

Winners of the inaugural IPL in 2008, Rajasthan Royals have reached just one final since, in 2022, where they finished runners-up to Gujarat Titans. Yet on the business front, the franchise is firmly back in the spotlight.

The Royals’ sale process is being run by the Raine Group, known for marquee sports transactions including the sales of Chelsea FC in 2022 and Manchester United in 2024, reflecting the scale and seriousness of the exercise.

RR, however, may be just the beginning. Strong interest in the franchise has now shifted attention to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), one of the IPL’s most powerful brands. The defending champions, backed by a vast and loyal fan base, are also exploring a potential change in ownership.

Sources indicate bids for RCB could approach or even exceed the $2-billion mark. Current owner Diageo is said to be encouraged by the Royals’ valuations and has begun sounding out the market. Given RCB’s popularity and commercial pull, its valuation is widely expected to outstrip RR’s.

Adding to the momentum, global private equity heavyweights Blackstone and Carlyle are reportedly evaluating bids for both franchises, signalling aggressive investor interest in IPL assets.

If the Royals’ sale sets a new benchmark, RCB could raise the bar further. Results may vary in the field, but off it, IPL franchises are only getting more valuable, and the league’s billion-dollar era is just getting started.

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