The Rajasthan Royals (RR), one of the original franchises of the Indian Premier League (IPL) based in Jaipur, continue to hold a unique position in Indian cricket — thanks to a mix of strong business leadership, global investment and a storied beginning. As we approach the 2026 season, here’s everything you need to know about who owns the franchise, how ownership has evolved, and why it matters.
RR IPL Ownership Structure in 2026
At its core, RR is primarily owned by the Emerging Media IPL Limited (led by Manoj Badale) with a 65 % stake. The remaining equity is distributed among other major investors, including U.S.–based private equity firm RedBird Capital Partners (15 %) and media-business leader Lachlan Murdoch (undisclosed minority stake).
| Stakeholder | Approximate Ownership |
|---|---|
| Emerging Media IPL Limited (Badale) | 65 % |
| RedBird Capital Partners | 15 % |
| Lachlan Murdoch | Undisclosed minority |
This structure has been in place since 2021 when Emerging Media increased its shareholding and entered a strategic relationship with RedBird.
Read more: IPL 2026 Retention Players List
Brand Value & Franchise Significance
The franchise has grown beyond being just an IPL team — it’s a strong brand. Around April 2025, its brand value was estimated at US $81 million, placing RR among the top half of IPL teams in terms of commercial worth.
This value reflects the team’s legacy: from winning the inaugural IPL title in 2008 to remaining a competitive outfit through the years.
Ownership Evolution & Key Milestones
- 2008: RR launched as one of the eight original IPL franchises.
- 2015: The team was banned for two years (2016-17) due to a scandals, leading to restructuring.
- 2018: RR returned to the IPL with revised ownership and governance.
- 2021: Emerging Media’s ownership sharpened at 65 %, RedBird added 15 % stake.
- 2025–26: The same major ownership structure holds with focus shifting to brand and performance.
Why Ownership Matters for IPL 2026
- Stable leadership: Having a majority owner (Badale) with a clear vision gives RR consistency.
- Global investment: RedBird’s involvement signals interest in commercial and international growth.
- Brand strength: Having a strong owner base makes RR attractive for sponsors, media rights, and merchandising.
- On-field impact: Ownership determines budget, spending on players, and long-term strategy — all crucial ahead of the 2026 season and potential mini-auction.
What’s Next for RR?
- Player retention/trades: Ownership and management will decide whether to retain key players or explore trades ahead of 2026.
- Performance push: With the brand value and ownership intact, the franchise is likely to double down on performance to regain its early IPL-champion glory.
- Global presence: Following trends in other franchises, RR may look to expand internationally and strengthen its academy network.
- Commercial growth: Ownership will continue to explore new revenue streams (merchandise, media rights, partnerships) to support both on-field success and off-field growth.
Conclusion
As of IPL 2026, the Rajasthan Royals are majority-owned by Emerging Media IPL Limited (led by Manoj Badale) with significant investment from RedBird and other global stakeholders. The team remains financially stable, commercially valuable, and strategically positioned for the future.
For fans, stakeholders and observers alike, this ownership structure offers a solid platform for RR to aim high again — both in terms of cricketing success and business growth.
