In a seismic shift for Indian cricket, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)—Shah Rukh Khan's beloved IPL juggernaut—are on the cusp of a major KKR ownership change.
Just months after clinching their third IPL title in 2024, reports reveal the Mehta Group is set to offload a minority stake, unlocking fresh capital for the franchise's global ambitions.
This move, alongside brewing ownership transitions at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), signals a maturing IPL ecosystem where valuations soar and new investors circle.
As IPL 2025 wraps with RCB lifting the trophy—their elusive first win—the league's business side heats up. Why now? With cricket's commercial boom post the 2024 T20 World Cup and IPL's $6.2 billion media rights deal, franchises like KKR are prime assets.
Experts say this KKR ownership change could value the team at over $1 billion, drawing in tech moguls and global funds eager for sports branding.
KKR's Stake Sale: Unpacking the Mehta Group's Exit
Owned by Knight Riders Sports Private Ltd since 2008, KKR boasts a star-studded lineup: Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment holds 55%, while the Mehta Group's 45% stake is now in play.
Industrialist Jay Mehta's firm, per Moneycontrol, has tapped Nomura as advisor for this preliminary deal, eyeing closure by early 2026.
"It's a smart pivot," notes cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle. "Mehta Group gains liquidity without diluting the core vision. For Shah Rukh Khan KKR, new partners could fuel expansions like the Trinbago Knight Riders in CPL or LA Knight Riders in MLC."
Whether Mehta retains a sliver or exits fully remains unclear, but the infusion could supercharge KKR's talent scouting ahead of the 2026 mega-auction.
RCB's Bold Move: Diageo Dumps Non-Core Gem
Echoing the KKR ownership change, RCB's parent Diageo is divesting the Bangalore franchise as a "non-core asset." Fresh off their 2025 IPL glory under Faf du Plessis, RCB's strategic review targets a $2 billion valuation by March 2026.
Serum Institute's Adar Poonawalla is among suitors, blending health-tech clout with cricket passion. "RCB's fanbase is unmatched—over 100 million globally," says sports economist Rakesh Nair. "This RCB Diageo sale isn't just financial; it's about injecting innovation, like AI-driven fan engagement."
For Bengaluru's loyalists, the shift promises stability, potentially ending decades of near-misses.
RR's High-Stakes Gamble: Badale's $1B Pitch
Rajasthan Royals, inaugural IPL champs in 2008, are no strangers to reinvention. Majority owner Manoj Badale seeks a controlling stake buyer at north of $1 billion, leveraging RR's youth academy fame and Sanju Samson-led resurgence.
"This wave of IPL franchise sales reflects cricket's Wall Street moment," opines IPL insider Vidya Krishnan. "RR could attract Middle East investors, mirroring Manchester United deals."
What This Means for IPL Fans and Investors
These shifts aren't mere transactions—they're IPL's evolution into a global powerhouse. Actionable takeaway: Savvy investors, eye the auctions; valuations could spike 20-30% post-deals. Fans, brace for refreshed rosters and rivalries.
As Shah Rukh Khan KKR navigates this KKR ownership change, one thing's clear: Indian cricket's golden era just got glitzier. Stay tuned—2026's auction could redefine loyalties.
