Exploring the Wealth of the Top 5 PKL Team Owners
Introduction to PKL 2025
The eagerly awaited 12th season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is set to commence on August 29. As in previous years, a total of 12 teams will compete in this thrilling event.
The participating teams include Patna Pirates, Jaipur Pink Panthers, U Mumba, Bengaluru Bulls, Bengal Warriorz, Dabang Delhi K.C., Puneri Paltan, Haryana Steelers, UP Yoddhas, Tamil Thalaivas, Telugu Titans, and Gujarat Giants. This year's matches will take place across four venues: Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai, and Delhi.
This season promises to be particularly exciting, as the organizers have introduced several modifications to the format, aiming to enhance competitiveness and entertainment. PKL has already established itself as one of India's most beloved sports leagues, and these changes are expected to further boost its popularity among fans.
While players often receive accolades for the league's success, the contributions of the team owners are equally significant. Their vision and investment have been crucial to the tournament's achievements. Here, we highlight the five wealthiest owners in the PKL.
Top 5 Wealthiest PKL Owners
5. Kishore Biyani & Akshay Kumar
- Team: Bengal Warriorz
- Owners: Capri Global (with Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar as a co-owner)
- Estimated Net Worth: $1-3 billion (Biyani), $325 million (Akshay Kumar)
- Profession: Retail Tycoon, Businessman & Actor
Kishore Biyani, the founder of the Future Group, which operates popular retail chains like Big Bazaar and Pantaloons, was an early investor in the Bengal Warriorz franchise before it was acquired by Capri Global. Akshay Kumar, a renowned Bollywood star, is also a co-owner. The Bengal Warriorz faced challenges initially but clinched their first PKL title in 2019. For the upcoming season, they have built a formidable team and aim for success.
4. Ronnie Screwvala
- Team: U Mumba
- Owner: U Sports (co-founded by Ronnie Screwvala and Supratik Sen)
- Estimated Net Worth: $1.5 billion
- Profession: Entrepreneur, Film Producer, Investor
Ronnie Screwvala is a prominent figure in Indian media, known for pioneering cable television in the country and founding UTV, which he later sold to Disney. He was recognized as one of the 75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century by Esquire and ranked among the Time 100 in 2009. His company, U Sports, owns U Mumba, and his involvement has been pivotal in elevating Kabaddi from a rural pastime to a mainstream sport.
3. Radha Kapoor Khanna
- Team: Dabang Delhi K.C.
- Owner: Do It Sports Management India Pvt Ltd
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $6.6 billion
- Profession: Entrepreneur and Investor
Radha Kapoor Khanna stands out as the only female owner in the PKL, representing women's empowerment in the league. With a business lineage—her father, Rana Kapoor, founded Yes Bank—she has established herself as a successful entrepreneur and investor. Her team triumphed in the PKL 2022 and is considered a strong contender for the upcoming season.
2. Sajjan Jindal & Parth Jindal
- Team: Haryana Steelers
- Owner: JSW Sports
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $7.68 billion
- Profession: Industrialists and Sports Investors
Sajjan and Parth Jindal, a father-son duo, own the Haryana Steelers through JSW Sports, a division of the JSW Group, a leading Indian multinational conglomerate involved in various sectors including steel and energy. JSW Sports is also associated with other sports franchises, including the IPL's Delhi Capitals and ISL's Bengaluru FC. The Haryana Steelers won the PKL title in 2024 and are favorites for the upcoming season.
1. Gautam Adani
- Team: Gujarat Giants
- Owner: Adani Wilmar Ltd (Adani Sportsline)
- Estimated Net Worth: Over $66.5 billion
- Profession: Industrialist
Gautam Adani, the owner of Gujarat Giants, is not only among the wealthiest PKL franchise owners but also ranks as one of the richest individuals globally. As the founder and chairman of the Adani Group, a multinational conglomerate, he acquired the Gujarat Giants in 2017. The team made an immediate impact by reaching the finals in both 2017 and 2018, although they have faced challenges in recent seasons and are looking for a stronger performance in 2025.
