A group led by US entrepreneur Kal Somani has successfully acquired the Rajasthan Royals franchise in the Indian Premier League, beating out competition from a Birla Group-backed bid and the Times of India group. The consortium, which includes investors Rob Walton of the Walmart family and the Hamp family, submitted a bid of around $1.63 billion for the ownership change, set to take effect in June.
Somani, who is already an investor in the Rajasthan Royals, has business interests in various sectors including ed-tech, data privacy, artificial intelligence governance, and sports technology. He expressed confidence in the league’s growth potential, stating that the investment represents a significant opportunity for the future of the IPL.
Aside from his involvement with the Rajasthan Royals, Somani also co-owns the Motor City Golf Club and has made early-stage investments in ventures like TMRW Sports and the TGL Golf League. The acquisition highlights the ongoing global interest in the IPL, known as one of the most valuable sporting leagues worldwide.
The consortium’s success in acquiring the franchise showcases the appeal of the IPL ecosystem to investors. Sheila Ford Hamp, a member of the Ford family which holds a significant stake in Ford Motor Company, is also part of the group backing Somani’s bid. The deal signifies a new chapter for the Rajasthan Royals and further solidifies the league’s status as a premier destination for sports investment.
Published on Mar 24, 2026.
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