The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are one of the most successful and popular franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Known for their passionate fan base, powerful performances, and Bollywood glamour, KKR stands tall as a three-time IPL champion — winning the titles in 2012, 2014, and 2024.
As we move into the IPL 2026 season, the team continues to be owned by the same star-studded group that has guided it since its inception in 2008. Let’s take a closer look at who owns KKR, how the ownership is structured, and the story behind the franchise’s incredible success.
KKR Team Ownership Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Name | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) |
| League | Indian Premier League (IPL) |
| Founded | January 24, 2008 |
| Home Ground | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Owners | Shah Rukh Khan (Red Chillies Entertainment) – 55%, Juhi Chawla & Jay Mehta (Mehta Group) – 45% |
| CEO & MD | Venky Mysore |
| Current Captain (2026) | Ajinkya Rahane |
| Head Coach | Chandrakant Pandit |
| Mentor | Dwayne Bravo |
KKR Ownership Overview (IPL 2026)
| Owner | Company | Stake | Net Worth (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shah Rukh Khan | Red Chillies Entertainment | 55% | ₹6300 crore |
| Juhi Chawla | Mehta Group | 45% (shared) | ₹4600 crore |
| Jay Mehta | Mehta Group | 45% (shared) | ₹1000–2400 crore |
The Star Power Behind KKR: Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan, the “King of Bollywood,” is not just the face of KKR but also its biggest driving force. Through his company Red Chillies Entertainment, SRK holds 55% ownership in the franchise.
From cheering his team at Eden Gardens to personally encouraging players, Shah Rukh’s presence has been integral to KKR’s identity. His charisma and passion have turned KKR into one of the most recognized sports brands in the world.
- Full Name: Shah Rukh Khan
- Ownership Share: 55% (via Red Chillies Entertainment)
- Net Worth (2025 Estimate): $876 million (approx. ₹6300 crore)
- Notable Properties: “Mannat” in Mumbai & “Jannat” Villa in Dubai
- Other Ventures: Co-owner of Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL), LA Knight Riders (MLC), and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ILT20)
SRK’s leadership off the field and his commitment to expanding the Knight Riders brand globally has made KKR more than just a cricket team — it’s now a global sports identity.
See Also:- Most Successful IPL Captains (2008–2025)
The Business Pillars: Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta
Supporting Shah Rukh Khan in this grand venture are Juhi Chawla, one of Bollywood’s most beloved actresses, and her husband Jay Mehta, the head of The Mehta Group — a multinational business empire with interests in cement, sugar, engineering, and packaging industries.
Together, they hold 45% ownership of KKR through the Mehta Group.
- Juhi Chawla Net Worth: ₹4600 crore
- Jay Mehta Net Worth: ₹1000–2400 crore (estimated)
- Company: The Mehta Group
- Daughter: Jahnavi Mehta (actively involved in KKR management and IPL auctions)
Their business acumen and calm approach complement Shah Rukh’s dynamic energy, creating a balanced ownership that’s both emotionally and strategically driven.
Knight Riders Sports Private Limited: The Core Company
The franchise is officially owned by Knight Riders Sports Pvt. Ltd. (KRSPL) — a joint venture between Red Chillies Entertainment and the Mehta Group.
- Red Chillies Entertainment (SRK): 55%
- The Mehta Group (Juhi & Jay): 45%
- Acquisition Cost (2008): $75.09 million (₹2.98 billion at that time)
Under KRSPL, the brand has expanded beyond the IPL, creating a global network of Knight Riders teams across multiple countries.
Global Expansion: Knight Riders Around the World
The Kolkata Knight Riders’ ownership group has successfully built a multi-league cricket empire. Here’s a list of teams owned under the Knight Riders umbrella:
| League | Team Name | Country |
|---|---|---|
| IPL (India) | Kolkata Knight Riders | India |
| CPL (Caribbean Premier League) | Trinbago Knight Riders | West Indies |
| ILT20 (UAE) | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | UAE |
| MLC (USA) | LA Knight Riders | USA |
| SA20 (South Africa) | Cape Town Knight Riders | South Africa (in development) |
This global expansion shows how KKR’s owners have turned their brand into an international cricketing powerhouse — connecting fans across continents.
KKR’s Net Worth & Brand Value (2026)
Over the years, KKR’s brand value has skyrocketed thanks to consistent performance, marketing, and global fan engagement.
| Year | Estimated Brand Value | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | $104 million | 2nd |
| 2024 | $216 million | 3rd |
| 2025 | $227 million | 4th (as per Houlihan Lokey Report) |
KKR’s blend of cricketing excellence and Bollywood glamour makes it one of the most valuable sports brands in Asia.
Interesting Facts About KKR Ownership
- Shah Rukh Khan’s first IPL bid was not for Kolkata — he initially wanted Mumbai or Bangalore, but after being outbid, he finally secured Kolkata.
- SRK’s popularity has made KKR one of the most followed teams globally, bringing women and young fans into IPL’s audience base.
- KKR’s slogan “Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo” (Perform, Fight, Win) perfectly represents their owner’s never-give-up attitude.
- The franchise is managed by Venky Mysore, who has been CEO and MD since 2010.
Read more: IPL 2026 Retention Players List
The Success Legacy of KKR
Under the ownership of Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Jay Mehta, KKR has built a legacy of entertainment and excellence.
| Year | Achievement | Captain |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | IPL Champions | Gautam Gambhir |
| 2014 | IPL Champions | Gautam Gambhir |
| 2024 | IPL Champions | Shreyas Iyer |
| 2026 (Current) | Ajinkya Rahane leads the team |
Their ability to blend cricketing talent, brand vision, and entertainment has turned KKR into one of the most iconic teams in the IPL’s history.
Final Words
The Kolkata Knight Riders’ success story isn’t just about winning trophies — it’s about passion, strategy, and vision. Led by Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Jay Mehta, KKR continues to grow both on and off the field.
With global expansion, record fan following, and a mix of Bollywood charisma and business strength, KKR remains one of the biggest brands in world cricket — ready to shine once again in IPL 2026.
