Rajasthan Royals Sold for ₹15,660 Crore Mittal Family and Adar Poonawalla Are the New Owners
One of the biggest ownership deals in cricket history just landed. IPL 2026 has a fresh talking point away from the field – Rajasthan Royals have been sold for a staggering ₹15,660 crore, with the Mittal family taking majority control and vaccine billionaire Adar Poonawalla coming in as a significant minority stakeholder.
This is not just a franchise transaction. This is a signal of how valuable IPL franchises have become as business assets.
New Ownership Breakdown
| Stakeholder | Stake | Details |
|---|---|---|
| ArcelorMittal (Mittal Family) | 75% | Majority controlling stake |
| Adar Poonawalla | 18% | Serum Institute of India CEO |
| Manoj Badale and others | 7% | Existing ownership group retained |
The headline number is the one that will echo across boardrooms – ₹15,660 crore for a franchise that was once picked up at a bargain in the very first IPL auction. The implied total valuation at the time of the deal sits around ₹13,700 crore based on the stake pricing.
Who Is the Mittal Family?
The Mittals behind this deal are linked to ArcelorMittal, the world’s second-largest steel producer. Lakshmi Mittal’s family has long been among the wealthiest in Britain and globally, with a net worth in the tens of billions. Their entry into IPL ownership marks a serious expansion of the league’s global financial footprint.
This is not a passive investment. A 75% controlling stake means the Mittal family will shape the direction of the Rajasthan Royals franchise going forward – from management decisions to commercial deals to player recruitment philosophy.
Who Is Adar Poonawalla?
Adar Poonawalla is the CEO of the Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume. He became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic when Serum produced and distributed hundreds of millions of doses globally.
His 18% stake in Rajasthan Royals makes him a significant minority owner with genuine influence in franchise decisions. Poonawalla has previously shown interest in sports investments and this move firmly plants him in the IPL ownership conversation.
What Happens to Manoj Badale?
Badale, who has been the public face of Rajasthan Royals ownership for the better part of two decades, retains a 7% stake alongside other existing investors. His continued involvement – even in a reduced capacity – provides franchise continuity. The cricket operations and culture built under his watch remain part of the foundation the new majority owners inherit.
Why This Deal Matters for IPL
The ₹15,660 crore price tag tells you everything about where IPL franchise valuations have gone.
- The original franchises were sold for roughly ₹400-600 crore in 2008
- Rajasthan Royals’ valuation has multiplied over 25 times in less than two decades
- This deal makes RR one of the highest-valued sports franchises in Asian cricket
For context, this kind of valuation puts IPL teams in the conversation with mid-tier European football clubs and major North American sports franchises. The league has genuinely become a global sports business.
You can track how this ownership change might influence Rajasthan Royals’ squad decisions by following their RR squad and fixtures page as the season progresses.
How Does RR Look on the Field Right Now?
While the boardroom news dominates today, the cricket still matters. Check the current IPL 2026 points table to see where Rajasthan Royals sit in the standings and whether they are pushing for playoff spots under this transition period.
Their upcoming fixtures and squad depth are listed on the full IPL schedule – new owners or not, the players still need to perform.
For all the latest franchise and league news as it breaks, stay on the IPL 2026 updates feed.
Key Numbers From the Deal
- Sale price: ₹15,660 crore
- Implied franchise valuation: ~₹13,700 crore
- Mittal stake: 75%
- Poonawalla stake: 18%
- Badale and existing owners: 7%
- Original 2008 franchise price: ~₹450 crore (approximate)
- Value growth: Roughly 30x+ over 18 years
FAQs
Who bought Rajasthan Royals?
The Mittal family (ArcelorMittal) acquired a 75% controlling stake in Rajasthan Royals. Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, took an 18% stake. Existing owner Manoj Badale and others retain the remaining 7%.
How much were Rajasthan Royals sold for?
Rajasthan Royals were sold for ₹15,660 crore, making it one of the largest IPL franchise transactions in the league’s history.
What is Rajasthan Royals’ current valuation?
Based on the ownership deal structure, the total franchise value is estimated at around ₹13,700 crore at the time of the transaction.
Does Manoj Badale still own Rajasthan Royals?
Yes, but in a much smaller capacity. Badale and other existing investors retain a 7% stake following the sale of the majority share to the Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla.
Who is the Mittal family in cricket?
The Mittals are linked to ArcelorMittal, one of the world’s largest steel companies. Their entry into IPL ownership through Rajasthan Royals marks one of the biggest corporate investments in Indian cricket franchise history.
