Sports
US tech entrepreneur Kal Somani buys Rajasthan Royals for $1.63bn
Kal Somani’s consortium, backed by Walmart and Ford money, completes a landmark takeover of one of the IPL’s most storied franchises
RAJASTHAN: The Rajasthan Royals have a new owner, and he comes with deep pockets, deeper connections, and a taste for sports that goes well beyond cricket.
A consortium led by Kal Somani, a US-based serial entrepreneur with an impressive footprint across the American tech ecosystem, has won the bidding war to acquire the Rajasthan Royals franchise outright, forking out $1.63bn (£1.2bn) for the privilege. The current owners had been shopping the franchise around for the better part of six months, seeking a full 100 per cent sale.
Somani does not arrive alone. Rob Walton, scion of the Walmart dynasty, is backing the deal, as is the Hamp family, which holds majority stakes in the NFL’s Detroit Lions. Sheila Ford Hamp brings further heft as part of the Ford family, which retains a significant stake in Ford Motor Company. This is old American money meeting new Indian cricket gold.
The buyer himself is no stranger to either boardrooms or playing fields. Somani is the founder and chief executive of IntraEdge, a technology services and solutions firm; Truyo and Truyo.AI, which specialise in data privacy rights automation and AI governance; and Academian, a major player in ed-tech and digital content. His pivot into sport began with a focus on sports technology but swiftly evolved into full-blown ownership. He is a co-owner of the Motor City Golf Club and was an early investor in TMRW Sports and the TGL Golf League, the tech-driven venture launched by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
Somani had first dipped his toes into the Royals’ pink waters in 2021. “We see huge potential with this investment, and we are excited for the future of the IPL,” he said then. That excitement has now translated into a $1.63bn cheque.
For a franchise that won the inaugural IPL title in 2008 and has spent years punching above its weight, this is a watershed moment. What began as a scrappy underdog story out of Jaipur is now a billion-dollar American asset, proof that the IPL has firmly arrived on the global sports investment map, and has no intention of leaving.
Sports
Gujarat Titans unveil 37-partner roster for IPL 2026
Franchise strengthens commercial ecosystem with mix of renewals and new associations.
MUMBAI: Gujarat Titans just assembled a 37-partner lineup so strong, even the opposition is checking the team sheet twice because when your sponsor list reads like a who’s who of trust and innovation, the trophy cabinet starts feeling a little more crowded. Gujarat Titans have announced a robust partner ecosystem of 37 brands for the 2026 IPL season, reflecting both momentum and maturity as the franchise builds on its title-winning foundation from 2022.
At the core of the lineup is Birla Estates as principal partner on the front of the jersey, anchoring a strong on-kit presence that includes long-standing partners such as Torrent, BKT Tyres, Jio, Astral Pipes and Livpure. New on-field integrations feature Google Pixel, Grew Solar and IGI, while Equitas has upgraded from helmet branding to the team jersey.
Beyond the kit, the diversified portfolio spans global technology platforms like Google (Search & Gemini) and travel brand Airasia, alongside mass-market names such as Campa, Budweiser 0.0, Amul, Dream11 and Scapia. Gaming and youth-focused partners include Krafton (Real Cricket), Pokémon and Big Ant, while service-led categories are represented by Bharat Taxi, Finkeda, Next Care Inc., HCG Hospital and Max Fresh.
Fan engagement remains a priority, with Bookmyshow continuing as ticketing partner, and Radio Mirchi and Fever strengthening regional reach. The franchise is also expanding its consumer footprint through merchandise and licensing collaborations with T10, EM, Hapipola, Baller Athletik, Versant, Chupps, Cricket Icons and Valiente.
Gujarat Titans chief operating officer Colonel Arvinder Singh said, “We are happy to be associated with a growing number of partners year-on-year who align with the Gujarat Titans ethos and continue to place their trust in us. This shared belief allows us to build deeper, long-term relationships that go beyond visibility and focus on delivering consistent value both on and off the field.”
The expanded partner base underscores Gujarat Titans’ strategy of creating sustained commercial value while deepening fan connections within the TATA IPL ecosystem.
In a league where every sponsor wants to score big, Gujarat Titans have built an all-star lineup off the field proving that when trust meets ambition, even the commercial game becomes worth watching.
