The Richest IPL Franchises: Who Holds the Most Money
*Exploring the Wealthiest Owners in the Indian Premier League*
When it comes to cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL) stands out as one of the most lucrative tournaments in the world, not just in terms of player contracts but also in the wealth of its franchises. Let’s take a closer look at the top five richest IPL franchises and the wealthy individuals or companies behind them.
**10. Gujarat Titans (GT):**
Owned by the Number 10 Gujarat Titans (GT), this franchise made headlines in 2021 by winning the ownership rights with a bid of ₹5,625 crore (US$700 million). Established in 2021, GT plays its matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Led by captain Shubman Gill and coached by Ashish Nehra, GT made its IPL debut in 2022, reaching the final in 2023 but losing to the Chennai Super Kings. With an estimated valuation of $850 million by 2024, GT ranks as the third most valuable IPL team.
**9. Punjab Kings (PBKS):**
Owned by KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited, a conglomerate comprising Mohit Burman, Ness Wadia, Preity Zinta, and Karan Paul, PBKS has a notable ownership structure. With Burman holding 46% ownership, Zinta and Wadia each owning 23%, and Paul with 8%, the team’s value stood at $925 million in 2022, making it the ninth most valuable IPL franchise.
**8. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH):**
Owned by the SUN Group Private Limited, a major media conglomerate in India, SRH’s ownership lies with Kalanithi Maran, the Chairman of the SUN Group. Maran’s daughter, Kavya Maran, took over the franchise in 2018 and has been actively involved since then. With diverse interests in film and television production, publishing, radio, cable television, DTH services, and broadcasting, the SUN Group boasts a significant presence in the media and entertainment industry.
**7. Rajasthan Royals (RR):**
Headed by British entrepreneur and venture capitalist Manoj Badale, RR’s ownership is through Emerging Media IPL Limited. Badale holds a majority 65% stake in the team, with other shareholders including Lachlan Murdoch and Redbird Media. Badale, also a co-founder and managing partner at Blenheim Chalcot, a venture builder firm, has seen his total wealth reach nearly $160 million as of 2023.
**6. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB):**
Owned by United Spirits Limited (USL), one of the largest alcohol beverage companies in India, RCB has a strong backing from the liquor industry. USL, which produces a wide range of spirits including scotch whisky, IMFL whisky, brandy, rum, vodka, gin, and wine, established the RCB franchise in 2008. With an estimated value of ₹1.025 billion by 2022, RCB ranks as the sixth most valuable IPL team.
These franchises not only bring together cricket enthusiasts but also serve as platforms for wealthy individuals and corporations to showcase their financial prowess. As the IPL continues to grow in popularity and revenue, the stakes for ownership become even higher, ensuring that cricket remains not just a sport but also a lucrative business venture.
**Title: The Top 5 IPL Team Owners Redefining Indian Cricket**
**Subtitle: From Bollywood icons to industrial magnates, meet the masterminds behind the IPL’s powerhouse franchises**
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has not only revolutionized cricket but also become a platform for some of India’s most influential personalities to showcase their prowess beyond their respective fields. From business tycoons to Bollywood icons, the IPL team owners are as diverse as they are successful. Let’s take a closer look at the top five IPL team owners who have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
**5. Parth Jindal – Delhi Capitals**
Parth Jindal, the director of JSW Sports, holds a 50% ownership stake in the Delhi Capitals IPL team. In 2018, JSW Sports acquired the team from the GMR Group for $66.2 million (INR 550 crore), appointing Jindal as its chairman. In January 2023, Jindal also acquired the franchise for the Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League.
A scion of the wealthy Jindal family, Parth Jindal is known for his dynamic leadership and significant contributions to the development of the JSW Group. Under his guidance, the conglomerate has expanded into new sectors such as sports, cement, paint, and electric vehicles.
Jindal co-manages the Delhi Capitals with Kiran Gandhi, CEO, MD, and director of JMR Infrastructure. Both Jindal and Gandhi are often seen representing the Delhi Capitals in IPL events, showcasing their commitment to the team’s success.
**4. Sanjeev Goenka – Lucknow Super Giants**
Sanjeev Goenka, the owner of the Lucknow Super Giants IPL team, is also the chairman of the RPG Group, a multinational conglomerate with interests in power, retail, sports, and entertainment. The RPG Group’s flagship venture is the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC).
Born on January 29, 1961, in Kolkata, India, Goenka founded the RPG Group in 2011, headquartered in Kolkata, with an asset base of $6 billion and revenue of $4.3 billion. As of March 2024, Goenka’s total wealth is $2.1 billion, making him the 83rd richest person in India.
The RPG Group has been investing in various sports since 2014 to enhance India’s sports community. Their first venture was ATK, a football club based in Kolkata, competing in the Indian Super League football competition. In 2020, the group acquired a majority stake in Mohun Bagan Athletic Club, a prestigious club founded in 1889 with numerous accolades to its name.
**3. Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Jay Mehta – Kolkata Knight Riders**
The ownership of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lies with the Knight Riders Sports Private Limited, a partnership between Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment, actress Juhi Chawla, and her husband Jay Mehta’s Mehta Group. Red Chillies Entertainment holds a 55% stake in the franchise, while the Mehta Group holds the remaining 45%.
KKR is one of the original eight teams in the IPL. It was acquired for ₹2.98 billion by Red Chillies Entertainment in partnership with Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta.
**2. Chennai Super Kings – Brand Value**
As of April 2024, the brand value of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stands at $81 million, making it the second most valuable IPL franchise after the Mumbai Indians (MI). CSK is considered the strongest IPL brand with an AAA- rating from brand finance.
CSK has won the IPL championship five times in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023 and has appeared in a record 10 finals. They have also won the Champions League Twenty20 twice in 2010 and 2014.
**1. Mumbai Indians – Brand Value**
As of March 2024, the Mumbai Indians (MI) boast a brand value of $87 million, making them the most valuable team in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The credit for MI’s brand value goes to their five IPL titles, various brand partnerships, and a large digital fan base.
The IPL’s total brand value surged to $10.7 billion by 2023, marking a 28% increase. Since its inception in 2008, the IPL’s brand value has grown by 433%, attributed to factors such as stadium attendance, increased online viewership of IPL matches, and major media partnerships.
In conclusion, the IPL has not only transformed cricket into a lucrative business but has also provided a platform for entrepreneurs, celebrities, and industrialists to showcase their business acumen and passion for the sport. As the league continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how these visionary owners shape the future of Indian cricket.
