Rajasthan Royals Acquired by New Owner Ahead of IPL 2026

In a groundbreaking move, the Rajasthan Royals have been sold for $1.63 billion to a consortium led by Kal Somani just days before IPL 2026 begins. This acquisition marks a significant shift in ownership, making the Royals the most expensive team in the league. Additionally, Riyan Parag has been appointed as the new captain, replacing Sanju Samson, who has joined the Chennai Super Kings. With these changes, fans are eager to see how the team performs in the upcoming season.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 25, 2026, 15:49 IST

Major Ownership Change for Rajasthan Royals

The IPL 2026 season is set to kick off in just two days, and a significant development has emerged regarding the Rajasthan Royals. The franchise has found a new owner, with the team being sold for a staggering $1.63 billion. The acquisition was made by a consortium led by American businessman Kal Somani, amounting to approximately ₹15,286 crores.

Kal Somani is also the owner of companies such as IntraEdge, Academian, and Truyo.ai. He has the backing of Rob Walton, a prominent figure from the Walmart family. Reports indicate that Somani has acquired 100% ownership of the Rajasthan Royals.

Previous Ownership by Manoj Badale

Before this deal was finalized, the largest stake in the Rajasthan Royals was held by Manoj Badale. Recently, the team received a $1.7 billion offer from Columbia Pacific Capital Partners, which was declined due to execution issues.

Now, the ownership of the Rajasthan Royals has officially transitioned to Kal Somani, making the team the most expensive franchise in the IPL.

Riyan Parag Appointed as New Captain

Ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction, Sanju Samson has parted ways with the Rajasthan Royals to join the Chennai Super Kings. Previously, he served as the captain of the Royals but chose to leave the team. Following this, the Rajasthan Royals have announced their new captain.

Riyan Parag has been appointed as the new captain for IPL 2026, taking over from Sanju Samson. During IPL 2025, Parag led the team in Samson's absence, but the team's performance was disappointing. It will be interesting to see if he can guide the team to the playoffs in IPL 2026.