New Delhi: The 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) is shaping up to be eventful even before the auction. Amid controversies surrounding Sanju Samson’s trade during the window leading up to the players’ auction, reports have now emerged that another IPL franchise is set to be sold.
Businessman Harsh Goyanka, elder brother of Sanjiv Goyanka, owner of the Lucknow Super Giants, claimed that the Rajasthan Royals (RR) is looking for new owners ahead of the next IPL season.
Harsh Goyanka Sparks Frenzy on Social Media
On Thursday evening, Harsh Goyanka tweeted:
“I’ve heard that not one but two IPL teams, RCB and RR, are up for sale. Clearly, people want to cash in on high valuations. Now, two teams and 4–5 potential buyers. Who will succeed? Will they come from Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or the USA?”
The mention of the USA sparked speculation that a foreign investor, possibly from the United States, could be the new owner of Rajasthan Royals.
Current Ownership of Rajasthan Royals
Currently, Rajasthan Royals is owned by Royals Sports Group (Emerging Media Sporting Holdings Ltd.), holding approximately 65% of the franchise. Small stakes are held by Lachlan Murdoch and RedBird Capital Partners. Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra had acquired 12% stakes in 2009, though it is unclear if they still retain shares.
Despite Harsh Goyanka’s tweet, the management of Rajasthan Royals has not confirmed any valuation or finalized the sale process.
RCB’s Sale Sets Precedent
Earlier, on 5 November, the owners of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) confirmed plans to sell the franchise. Adar Poonawalla, owner of Serum Institute of India, had hinted at the sale on 1 October, and his name is reported among potential buyers.
Regulatory filings revealed that Diageo India and USL notified SEBI under Regulation 30 regarding the sale of their stake in RCB, with the process expected to complete by 31 March 2026. According to the Times of India, RCB’s valuation, pegged at $1 billion in 2022 by Forbes, is now estimated to have doubled to around $2 billion after their recent IPL title win.
Implications
With RCB already sold and Rajasthan Royals reportedly on the block, the IPL 2026 season could see major shifts in ownership, attracting both Indian and international investors. The developments are likely to impact player trades, auction strategies, and the overall landscape of the league.
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