Rajasthan Royals is more than just an IPL franchise – it’s a story of resilience, innovation, and a powerful ownership structure that has shaped its journey in the world’s most exciting cricket league.
From its surprising debut victory in 2008 to overcoming challenges off the field, Rajasthan Royals has become a name synonymous with success.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) is one of the most iconic teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Over the years, the franchise has become a symbol of resilience, innovation, and global growth.
From winning the inaugural IPL title in 2008 to reshaping their ownership structure post-controversy, RR’s journey has captivated fans and analysts alike.
But who are the key figures behind the team’s success, and how has their ownership evolved over the years?
In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the ownership of Rajasthan Royals, explore key investors, and analyze their growing influence both in India and globally.
About The Rajasthan Royals Team and Owner
Team Name | Rajasthan Royals |
League | IPL |
State | Rajasthan |
City | Jaipur |
Team Owner | Manoj Badale (Emerging Media IPL Ltd.), RedBird Capital Partners |
Team Captain | Sanju Samson |
Team Coach | Rahul Dravid |
Homeground | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur |
IPL Titles | 1 |
Website |
Who Owns Rajasthan Royals? A Breakdown of the Ownership Structure
Rajasthan Royals’ ownership is a unique mix of business visionaries and international investors. The key players in their ownership structure include:
1. Manoj Badale – The Visionary Leader
Manoj Badale, the primary owner of Rajasthan Royals, holds a 65% stake in the franchise through his company Emerging Media IPL Ltd.
Badale’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in the team’s success. A seasoned entrepreneur, he has not only overseen the franchise’s growth in the IPL but also played a pivotal role in its expansion beyond India.
Badale’s leadership has helped Rajasthan Royals navigate challenges, including a two-year suspension (2015-2017) due to the spot-fixing scandal, and emerge stronger. His strategic investments have propelled the team’s brand across the globe.
2. RedBird Capital Partners – The Global Investment Firm
In 2021, RedBird Capital Partners, an American private equity firm, became a key investor in Rajasthan Royals, acquiring a 15% stake in the franchise.
Led by Garry Cardinale, RedBird’s influence is substantial in the world of sports. The firm also holds stakes in other major sports teams like Liverpool FC and the Boston Red Sox.
Their expertise in managing global sports properties has played a crucial role in Rajasthan Royals’ expansion beyond the IPL.
3. Lachlan Murdoch – The Media Mogul
Another influential figure in Rajasthan Royals’ ownership structure is Lachlan Murdoch, a prominent media magnate. Murdoch, known for his leadership role in Fox Corporation and News Corp, has a significant stake in the franchise.
Though his exact ownership percentage is not publicly disclosed, Murdoch’s involvement brings valuable media expertise, helping the Royals expand their brand and connect with audiences worldwide.
A History of Ownership: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing New Horizons
Rajasthan Royals’ ownership history has been marked by both success and controversy. Here’s a quick timeline of key moments:
2008-2015: Early Success and Controversy
Rajasthan Royals quickly became a fan favorite after their surprise victory in the inaugural IPL 2008 season. Co-owned by Bollywood stars Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra, the franchise gained immense popularity.
However, scandals around spot-fixing and illegal betting led to controversy. In 2015, Rajasthan Royals faced a two-year suspension alongside Chennai Super Kings due to their involvement in the spot-fixing scandal.
2018-2021: A Fresh Start
Post-suspension, Rajasthan Royals returned to the IPL in 2018 with a revamped ownership structure. While Shane Warne continued his association with the team, new investors and strategic business decisions helped the team regain stability.
The restructuring paved the way for increased investor involvement, including RedBird Capital and Lachlan Murdoch, which ensured the team’s financial health and global outreach.
2021-Present: A New Era of Growth
Under Manoj Badale’s leadership, Rajasthan Royals has flourished with the support of international investors.
The team’s global reach has expanded, with investments in teams like Paarl Royals (South Africa’s SA20 League) and the Barbados Royals (Caribbean Premier League). These ventures have established Rajasthan Royals as a global cricketing brand, not just a franchise limited to the IPL.
The Global Expansion of Rajasthan Royals: A Forward-Thinking Approach
Rajasthan Royals is not just focused on IPL dominance; it’s actively expanding its brand across the globe. Here are some key initiatives that demonstrate their global ambitions:
1. Cricket Academies in the U.S.
Rajasthan Royals’ growth strategy includes tapping into new markets, such as the United States.
Their Cricket Academy in New Jersey aims to foster young talent in the U.S. and introduce them to the world of professional cricket. This initiative is a crucial step in growing the sport in non-traditional cricket regions.
2. Reality Show – Cricket Ka Ticket
In 2023, Rajasthan Royals launched Cricket Ka Ticket, a reality show designed to discover and mentor aspiring cricketers.
The show offers participants a chance to compete for a spot in the Royals’ development programs, with opportunities for trials and cash prizes.
This initiative not only helps the Royals scout fresh talent but also builds a deeper connection with their fanbase.
3. Expanding Their IPL Sister Teams
Rajasthan Royals’ vision extends beyond India. With teams like Paarl Royals in South Africa’s SA20 league and Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the Royals are becoming a globally recognized cricketing entity.
These teams provide the franchise with an international platform to showcase their brand and scout players globally.
Ownership Lessons from Rajasthan Royals
The evolution of Rajasthan Royals’ ownership offers several lessons in sports management and business strategy:
1. Adaptability is Crucial
Rajasthan Royals’ journey proves that even in the face of adversity, a strong and adaptable ownership can bring a franchise back to its feet.
The team’s recovery from the 2015 suspension and the restructuring that followed highlight the importance of resilience in maintaining a sports franchise.
2. Strategic Partnerships Lead to Success
The involvement of global investors like RedBird Capital and Lachlan Murdoch has helped Rajasthan Royals grow their brand and expand their operations internationally.
This strategy of diversifying ownership with international partners has proven to be beneficial in the long run.
3. Long-Term Vision for Global Expansion
Rajasthan Royals’ investments in international leagues and academies emphasize the importance of looking beyond local markets.
Expanding into global territories allows the Royals to cultivate new fanbases, discover emerging talent, and strengthen their international presence.
Rajasthan Royals is more than just an IPL franchise; it’s a global brand with a dynamic ownership structure and a forward-thinking vision.
From their early struggles to their current international expansion, RR has shown the importance of strong leadership, strategic investments, and an eye on the future.
As they continue to grow and innovate, Rajasthan Royals are setting a new benchmark for cricket teams globally.
People also ask
Q. Who owns Rajasthan Royals?
Ans: Rajasthan Royals is primarily owned by Manoj Badale through Emerging Media IPL Ltd., with additional investments from RedBird Capital Partners and Lachlan Murdoch.
Q. Who is the director of cricket for Rajasthan Royals?
Ans: Kumar Sangakkara, a former Sri Lankan cricketer, has been appointed as the Director of Cricket for Rajasthan Royals.
Q. What is the role of Manoj Badale in Rajasthan Royals?
Ans: Manoj Badale serves as the lead owner of Rajasthan Royals, playing a pivotal role in the team’s strategic direction and operations.
Q. Who were the initial co-owners of Rajasthan Royals?
Ans: Initially, Rajasthan Royals was co-owned by Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra.
Q. Has Rajasthan Royals been banned from IPL?
Ans: Yes, Rajasthan Royals was banned for two years (2015-2017) due to involvement in the spot-fixing scandal. However, they returned to the IPL in 2018 after serving the suspension.