Who Owns Rajasthan Royals?

Jatin

Rajasthan Royals Owner Manoj Badale alongside Executive Chairman Ranjit Barthakur (Left) [Source: @rajasthanroyals/x.com]Rajasthan Royals Owner Manoj Badale alongside Executive Chairman Ranjit Barthakur (Left) [Source: @rajasthanroyals/x.com]

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Rajasthan Royals (RR) are one of the most fascinating teams in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). From being underdogs who won the inaugural IPL trophy in 2008 to going through some tough times with controversies and suspensions, the Rajasthan-based team has seen it all but has always bounced back in style.

The team’s ownership has been key to its survival and growth. With Manoj Badale’s Emerging Media IPL Ltd. leading the charge and partners like RedBird Capital and Lachlan Murdoch, the Royals have turned into more than just a cricket team.

Here’s a closer look at Rajasthan Royals owners who run the show behind this powerhouse franchise.

Rajasthan Royals Owner: Emerging Media IPL Ltd.

The majority of the team is owned by Emerging Media IPL Ltd., run by Manoj Badale, who holds 65% of the stakes.

The U.S.-based equity firm RedBird Capital Partners owns 15%, and Lachlan Murdoch from Fox Corporation has a share too, but they’ve kept his percentage under wraps.

Key Figures in Ownership

Manoj Badale is the main man behind the Royals. He’s a businessman who co-founded venture capital firm Blenheim Chalcot and has slowly increased his ownership in the team over the years. He’s been the backbone of the team’s operations.

RedBird Capital Partners, led by Garry Cardinale, joined the team recently. These guys are no strangers to sports, they also have stakes in Liverpool FC and the Boston Red Sox. Their involvement brings an international flavour to the Royals.

Lachlan Murdoch, from the famous Murdoch media family, owns part of the team too. He’s known for running big media companies like Fox Corporation and News Corp, and his business judgement adds value to the Royals’ growth.



Rajasthan Royals’ Ownership History

The Royals’ ownership has changed a few times over the years:

  • 2008-2015: In the past, during the initial years, the team was co-owned by Emerging Media, Blue Water Estate, Tresco International, and Bollywood celebs Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra.
  • 2018-2021: After a two-year suspension, the team came back with a new structure. Shane Warne joined as a shareholder during this period with 3% of the stake, which he earned during his IPL career with the Royals (0.75% per year).
  • 2021-Present: Badale took majority control, RedBird joined, and Murdoch stayed on. This ownership has given the team much-needed stability.

Emerging Media IPL Ltd.: Controversies and Legal Challenges

The Royals have had their share of drama over the years:

  • 2010 Auction Controversy: The Royals were accused of breaking player contract rules during the auctions. Allegations of ‘auction bullying’ also came up which claimed that the team used unfair tactics.
  • 2013 Spot-Fixing Scandal: This was a dark chapter in team’s history. Players Sreesanth, Ankit Chavan, and Ajit Chandila were caught in a spot-fixing scandal. It was a huge blow to the team’s image and led to life bans for the players.
  • 2015 Suspension: Co-owner Raj Kundra got involved in illegal betting, which led to a two-year suspension for the Royals. The Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee didn’t hold back as it suspended both RR and CSK for damaging the league’s image.

Business Ventures and Affiliations

The Royals aren’t just focused on IPL, they’ve expanded their brand globally and launched some noteworthy projects:

  • RR Academy in New Jersey: Their first cricket academy in the U.S., aimed at finding and training new talent.
  • Cricket Ka Ticket: A cricket reality show launched in 2023 where men and women cricketers competed for cash, mentorship, and trial opportunities.
  • Royals School of Business: Offering sports courses for students interested in the business side of cricket.
  • Sister Teams: The Royals own the Paarl Royals in South Africa’s SA20 league and the Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.1. Who owns Rajasthan Royals?

Answer: Rajasthan Royals are owned by Emerging Media IPL Ltd. (65%), RedBird Capital Partners (15%), and Lachlan Murdoch (unknown share).

Q.2. Who are the key figures in the team’s ownership?

Answer: Manoj Badale, Garry Cardinale, and Lachlan Murdoch are the key figures in RR’s ownership.

Q.3. What controversies has the ownership faced, if any?

Answer: The Royals have dealt with player auction drama, the 2013 spot-fixing scandal, and a two-year suspension due to betting controversies.

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.