Rajasthan Royals in talks to sell majority stake

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The Rajasthan Royals IPL franchise is reportedly exploring the sale of a majority stake, with a target valuation exceeding $1 billion. According to Storyboard18, the current owners are engaged in advanced talks with both existing investors and new global entities, eyeing a significant equity shift ahead of the 2026 IPL season.

This move comes as IPL franchises increasingly attract attention from institutional investors, global sports funds, and private equity players, buoyed by the league’s profitability and media rights surge. In 2021, CVC Capital made headlines by acquiring the Gujarat Titans, and similar momentum now appears to be shaping Rajasthan Royals’ strategic decisions.

Sources familiar with the matter say the franchise is seeking capital to scale operations, expand global partnerships, and potentially enhance its grassroots and women’s cricket initiatives. The Royals already have a visible presence in the UK through their investment in the Barbados Royals and other feeder leagues.

The sale could include stake dilution by current shareholders, including lead investor Emerging Media Ventures, which holds a controlling interest. The team is also reportedly in discussions with sports investment firms from the US and Middle East.

Valuations of IPL franchises have climbed sharply since the BCCI’s landmark media rights deal with Viacom18 and Star Sports. Rajasthan Royals, one of the original eight franchises, has built a strong brand based on youth-focused recruitment, analytical strategy, and a growing global fan base.

If completed, this transaction would mark one of the most high-profile ownership changes in IPL history—further signalling the league’s evolution into a serious sports business asset class on par with global football or F1 franchises.