Rajasthan Royals (RR) are one of the most fascinating teams in IPL history. From being underdogs who won the inaugural IPL trophy in 2008 to navigating controversies and suspensions, the Rajasthan-based franchise has experienced it all—but has consistently bounced back with style.
A major factor behind their resilience is the ownership group. Led by Manoj Badale’s Emerging Media IPL Ltd., with partners like RedBird Capital and Lachlan Murdoch, the Royals have evolved into more than just a cricket team.
Here’s a closer look at the owners behind Rajasthan Royals who manage the franchise behind the scenes.
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Who is the Owner of Rajasthan Royals?
Rajasthan Royals owners with the team
Manoj Badale is the driving force behind the Royals. A seasoned businessman and co-founder of the venture capital firm Blenheim Chalcot, Badale has gradually increased his stake in the team and serves as the backbone of the franchise’s operations.
RedBird Capital Partners, led by Garry Cardinale, joined the Royals more recently. With sports investments in Liverpool FC and the Boston Red Sox, RedBird brings international experience and strategic expertise to the team.
Lachlan Murdoch, from the renowned Murdoch media family, also holds a stake in the Royals. Known for leading major media companies like Fox Corporation and News Corp, his business acumen adds further value to the franchise’s growth and global reach.
Rajasthan Royals’ Ownership History
The Rajasthan Royals’ ownership has evolved over the years:
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2008–2015: In the early years, the team was co-owned by Emerging Media, Blue Water Estate, Tresco International, and Bollywood celebrities Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra.
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2018–2021: After a two-year suspension, the Royals returned with a new structure. Shane Warne joined as a shareholder, holding 3% of the stake—earned at 0.75% per year for his contributions during his IPL career with the team.
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2021–Present: Manoj Badale assumed majority control, with RedBird Capital joining and Lachlan Murdoch retaining his stake. This structure has provided the Royals with much-needed stability and strategic direction.
RR Owner Share Percentage
The ownership distribution of Rajasthan Royals is as follows:
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Emerging Media IPL Ltd., led by Manoj Badale, holds the majority stake at 65%.
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RedBird Capital Partners, the U.S.-based equity firm, owns 15% of the team.
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Lachlan Murdoch, from Fox Corporation, also holds a stake, though his exact percentage has not been publicly disclosed.
This ownership structure combines strong leadership, international investment expertise, and strategic media insight, providing the Royals with a stable foundation for growth.
RR Owner’s Net Worth
Manoj Badale Net Worth
RR Owner Manoj Badale with Captain
A British businessman and co-founder of Blenheim Chalcot, Manoj Badale is the lead owner of Rajasthan Royals. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated at ₹1,371.72 crore (≈ $160 million).
Lachlan Murdoch Net Worth
The chairman and CEO of Fox Corporation, Lachlan Murdoch holds a minor stake in Rajasthan Royals. Despite this, his involvement brings substantial business expertise and global media connections to the franchise. His net worth is estimated to be at least $72 million.
RR Owner’s Controversies
The Rajasthan Royals have faced their share of drama over the years:
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2010 Auction Controversy: The Royals were accused of violating player contract rules during the auctions. Allegations of ‘auction bullying’ also surfaced, claiming the team used unfair tactics to acquire players.
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2013 Spot-Fixing Scandal: This dark chapter involved players Sreesanth, Ankit Chavan, and Ajit Chandila, who were caught in a spot-fixing scandal. The incident severely impacted the team’s image and led to life bans for the players.
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2015 Suspension: Co-owner Raj Kundra was implicated in illegal betting, resulting in a two-year suspension for the Royals. The Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee suspended both RR and CSK for damaging the IPL’s reputation.
Former RR co-owner Raj Kundra with wife Shilpa Shetty
Despite these controversies, the franchise has rebounded and rebuilt its reputation, guided by a more stable and professional ownership structure in recent years.
Other Teams owned by RR’s Owners: Business Ventures and Affiliations
The Rajasthan Royals aren’t just focused on the IPL—they have expanded their brand globally and launched several noteworthy initiatives:
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Sister Teams: The Royals own Paarl Royals in South Africa’s SA20 league and Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
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RR Academy in New Jersey: Their first cricket academy in the U.S., aimed at identifying and training new talent.
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Cricket Ka Ticket: A cricket reality show launched in 2023, where men and women cricketers competed for cash prizes, mentorship, and trial opportunities.
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Royals School of Business: Offers sports management courses for students interested in the business side of cricket.
These initiatives showcase RR’s commitment to global cricket development, talent nurturing, and brand expansion beyond the IPL.
Also Read:
Who Owns Lucknow Super Giants?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1. Who owned Rajasthan Royals?
Answer: Rajasthan Royals is owned by Manoj Badale and The Royals Sports Group. Manoj Badale is a British businessman and co-founder of Blenheim Chalcot. The Royals Sports Group is also a key stakeholder in the franchise.
Q.2. Does Shilpa Shetty still own the Rajasthan Royals?
Answer: No, Shilpa Shetty does not own Rajasthan Royals anymore. She and her husband, Raj Kundra, jointly owned a stake in the team, but they sold their 11.7% share in 2015 following a Supreme Court judgment and a betting scandal involving Kundra, who was later banned for life.
Q.3. Who is the sponsor of Rajasthan Royals?
Answer: For the IPL 2025 season, Luminous Power Technologies is the title sponsor of Rajasthan Royals, and other sponsors include NEOM, Jio, Red Bull, and BKT as principal sponsors, with UBON, JSW Paints, and Goel TMT as associate sponsors.
Q.4. What other ventures are associated with the team’s owners?
Answer: The Royals own cricket academies, business school, a reality show, and sister teams in South Africa and the Caribbean.
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