New Delhi. The excitement of IPL 2026 is about to reach its peak. There is tremendous excitement among the fans about this 19th season starting from March 28, especially after India's historic victory in the T20 World Cup. On one hand, the players are busy preparing for the new season, while on the other hand, a big change is also taking shape inside the league. Possible change in franchise ownership, which could make this season even more interesting. After Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals is also ready for sale.
Rajasthan Royals is currently a big center of attraction for investors. According to reports, at least three big investors have submitted binding bids to sell the franchise. Among these, Aditya Birla Group seems to be at the forefront, which has made a strong bid along with American investor David Blitzer. The biggest change that has come in the last few weeks is that whereas initially there was talk of selling only the majority stake, now the franchise is also considering the option of selling it completely provided the right price is received.
Valuation reached Rs 12,000 crore
The valuation of Rajasthan Royals is currently estimated between 1.1 to 1.35 billion dollars (about Rs 9,000 to 12,000 crores). According to reports, the team has also received a bid of about Rs 11,956 crore, which can include it among the most expensive deals of IPL. At present the ownership of the team is divided into many parts. Emerging Media Limited holds a 65% stake, while Redbird Capitals holds 15% and Lachlan Murdoch holds 13%. The remaining stake is held by other investors, so for the sale of the entire franchise, consent of all the stakeholders will be required, due to which the process may take a little longer.
Big names interested, race became exciting
The deal is being handled by The Ren Group, which has previously played a role in the sales of big clubs like Chelsea Football Club and Manchester United. Many big names are involved in the race to buy Rajasthan Royals. Aditya Birla Group (with David Blitzer) Times of India Group,Capri Global, Kal Somani (with Rob Walton)
Different situation than RCB
While the ownership transfer process of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has reached the final stage due to the deadline of March 31, there is no time pressure on Rajasthan Royals. Interestingly, the valuation of around Rs 12,000 crore is considered quite big for a team which has not won any title since the first season of 2008. Also, the team does not have a franchise in the WPL (Women's Premier League), however, RR does have an international presence—Pearl Royals in the SA20 and Barbados Royals (men's and women's teams) in the Caribbean Premier League. But despite this, the team does not have any big star face like Virat Kohli, which significantly increases the brand value of RCB.
Is the future of IPL going to change?
This shakeup in franchise ownership ahead of the start of IPL 2026 is indicating a major change in the business model of the league. If this deal is completed, it can take the value of not only Rajasthan Royals but the entire IPL ecosystem to a new height. Now the focus will be on which investor becomes the new owner of this historic franchise and whether this change will also change the fortunes of the team on the field.
