The twin IPL franchise sales on Tuesday commanded a combined $3.41 billion — nearly five times the $723.59 million paid by the league’s eight founding franchises in 2008.
The Manoj Badale-led Emerging Media consortium exited Rajasthan at a staggering 2,333% return, selling its stake for $1.63 billion — a dramatic leap from the original outlay of $67 million. Within hours came confirmation that Royal Challengers Bengaluru had also found new owners, commanding $1.78 billion.
Driving these soaring valuations is a clear common thread: American capital.
Rajasthan’s new ownership group includes US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani, Walmart heir Rob Walton — who also owns NFL franchise the Denver Broncos — and the Ham family, owners of the Detroit Lions.
RCB has been acquired by the Aditya Birla Group and the Times Group alongside US-based firms Bolt Ventures and Blackstone. Bolt Ventures is led by prominent sports investor David Blitzer, whose portfolio spans multiple leagues and continents — from the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils to the Premier League’s Crystal Palace and MLS side Real Salt Lake.
Over the past decade, American investors have increasingly turned to global sport, particularly European football and the English Premier League, as fertile investment ground. Now, that playbook is extending to cricket.