speculations are swirling around Rajasthan Royals potentially changing hands first ipl 2026 The auction is inspired by the industrialist’s recent viral social media post Harsh Goenkabrother of Lucknow Super Giants Owner Sanjeev Goenka,
The 2008 IPL champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), have remained silent on any sale, reflecting their open search for buyers at their US$2 billion valuation, yet reports highlight internal resets including a blockbuster player trade. This comes amid rising franchise valuations, interest from buyers in Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru and the United States.
I hear, not one, but two IPL teams are now up for sale – RCB and RR. It seems clear that people are looking to cash in on the rich valuations today. So two teams for sale and 4/5 potential buyers! Who will be the successful buyers – will they be from Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru or USA?
– Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) 27 November 2025
Rajasthan Royals trade Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings on huge deal
Royals exchange long-serving captain sanju samson To Chennai Super Kings Acquisition for Rs 18 crore Ravindra Jadeja Rs 14 crore more Sam Curran INR 2.4 crore in return, signaling a strategic change. Owner -Manoj Badale Samson, described as emotionally exhausted after 11 seasons and more than 4,000 runs, welcomed Jadeja’s homecoming from the 2008 title-winning team while praising his off-field contributions. The moves coincide with changes in backroom staff and a search for a venue, as talks are underway for Pune’s MCA Stadium to potentially host at least four home games due to tensions with the Rajasthan Cricket Association.
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Turmoil and legal battles over ownership have intensified
Royals Sports Group, through the Badale-led Emerging Media Sporting Holdings Limited, controls 65% of the franchise, with minority stakes held by Lachlan Murdoch (13%) and Redbird Capital Partners (15%), the latter being linked to Liverpool FC, AC Milan and FC Toulouse. Redbird’s 2022 entry valued the team at US$250 million, underscoring the global appeal of the IPL amid its growth. Despite the discussion, Badale remains efficient in daily tasks
Complicating matters, former co-owner Raj Kundra, who once held shares with wife Shilpa Shetty Kundra, filed a petition in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), accusing the partners of forcing him to join the betting scam after 2015. Kundra has claimed illegal 2015 share transfers of over Rs 1,000 crore without consent, undervalued 2019 disposals, fund diversion and record manipulation, with the next hearing scheduled for January 5. This is an echo of the franchise’s 2013 two-year suspension, as IPL 2026 looms to test its sustainability.
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