Rajasthan Royals and RCB Eye New Ownership Before IPL 2026

Major Changes Ahead for IPL Teams

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for another exciting season in 2026, but significant ownership changes are on the horizon for two of its prominent franchises: Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). With both teams reportedly on the brink of new ownership, cricket enthusiasts and investors alike are keeping a close eye on the developments.

Current Ownership Structure

Rajasthan Royals, the first-ever IPL champions in 2008, is primarily owned by the Royals Sports Group, holding approximately 65% of the franchise shares. The remaining shares are distributed among several investors, including Lachlan Murdoch and RedBird Capital Partners. This diverse ownership history has seen several changes over the years, including the departure of high-profile figures like Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra following the IPL betting scandal in 2013.

Interest From Potential Buyers

According to Harsha Goenka, sibling of Sanjiv Goenka, owner of Lucknow Super Giants, there are indications that potential buyers are circling both franchises. Reports suggest interest from various cities including Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and even some international bidders from the USA. Goenka stated, “I hear, not one, but two IPL teams are now up for sale- RCB and RR. It seems clear that people want to cash in on the rich valuations today.”

Rumors of Venue Changes

In addition to ownership changes, sources indicate that Rajasthan Royals might also consider relocating their home games. The ongoing issues with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) have led the franchise to explore the MCA Stadium in Pune as a possible new venue for the upcoming season.

Despite not officially announcing plans to sell the franchise, speculation is rife. The RCA had previously accused RR of match-fixing, which the team has vehemently denied.

RCB’s Sale Process Confirmed

In a related development, Diageo, the parent company of RCB, confirmed on November 5 that the team will indeed be put on the market. The sale process is expected to conclude by the end of March 2026. Earlier hints about the sale emerged when Adar Poonawalla hinted at potential bids for the franchise on social media.

Valuations and Bidding Wars

RCB’s valuation was estimated at over $1 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to rise even further following their recent title victory. Notable figures in the world of finance, like Poonawalla, Nikhil Kamath, and T.V. Mohandas Pai, are rumored to be interested in placing bids. With Pai’s net worth at $2.8 billion and Kamath’s at $2.5 billion, the competition for ownership is expected to be fierce.

Conclusion

The impending ownership changes for Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru not only highlight the lucrative nature of the IPL franchises but also indicate a shift in the dynamics of cricket in India. As fans eagerly await more news on these developments, both franchises are promised to be closely monitored in the days leading to IPL 2026.