
Credit: X
Cricket is the favourite sport of most Indians and to know its popularity, one should record one’s presence in a stadium to watch an Indian Premier League (IPL) game, the ambiance at the venue will corroborate how much love Indians possess for the gentleman's sport. In 2008, when the league was launched some prominent business conglomerates and renowned figures grabbed the opportunity and became the owners of franchises. The presence of eminent businessmen, Bollywood actors, and cricketers glamourised the league and also made it successful among cricket supporters.
The league not just became successful in India but also in the world. As per Times Of India, IPL is the fifth most successful league in the world in terms of financial success and global following. IPL owners are reaping the benefits of investing their money in franchises as they are also getting a large share of profit from the cash-rich league’s success. Discussing more, let’s know who are the owners of the 10 IPL franchises.
List of all IPL team owners
10. Gujarat Titans: Torrent Group
Gujarat Titans (GT) is owned by the Torrent Group, based in Ahmedabad. The Indian multinational conglomerate focuses on the pharmaceutical and power sectors. GT broke into the league in 2022 and now their brand value is around INR 600 Crore.
9. Rajasthan Royals: Manoj Badale, Lachlan Murdoch & others
Rajasthan Royals, the first IPL champions, hold the brand value of INR 701 Crore. The franchise is owned by Manoj Badale, who is a British Indian businessman and the co-founder and managing partner of venture builder firm Blenheim Chalcot. Apart from Badale, British and Australian businessman Lachlan Murdoch and others are also stakeholders in the franchise. RR also register their presence in the South Africa’s SA20 with the franchise Paarl Royals and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) team Barbados Royals.
8. Delhi Capitals: GMR Group and JSW Sports
Delhi Capitals (DC) are owned by GMR Group and JSW Sports. From 2008 to February 2018, GMR Group held the ownership rights but in 2018, JSW Sports bought a 50% stake in the franchise for INR 550 Crore and became the co-owner.
7. Punjab Kings: The Dabur Group, the Wadia Group, Preity Zinta and Dey & Dey Group
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been active in IPL since 2008 and in these years, their brand value has gone upto INR 588 Crore. The team’s ownership rights are with four groups: the Dabur group's Mohit Burman, the Wadia group's Ness Wadia, Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, and Saptarshi Dey of the Dey & Dey Group.
6. Sunrisers Hyderabad: Sun Group
The 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are active in the league since 2013 and in these 12 years, their brand value is more than 730 Crore. It is owned by Kalanithi Maran, who is the Chairman and Founder of Sun Group, one of India's largest media conglomerates.
5. Lucknow Super Giants: RPSG Group
In 2021, Sanjiv Geonka-owned RPSG Group became the owner of Lucknow Super Giants. The multinational organisation won the rights with a bid of INR 7,090 Crore. LSG is active in South Africa’s SA 20 League as well with the team Durban’s Super Giants.
4. Kolkata Knight Riders: Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Jay Mehta
IPL’s three-time title winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was purchased by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies allying with actress Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta in 2008. After 18 years of origination, KKR’s brand value is INR 943 Crore. Knight Riders Group, the parent organisation of KKR, also owns Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the UAE's ILT20, and the Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket (MLC), played in the United States.
3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru: United Spirits
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who won their maiden IPL title in 2025, are owned by United Spirits, an Indian alcohol beverage firm based in Bengaluru. Back in 2008, Vijay Mallya acquired the franchise after investing for US$111.6 million. RCB also own the team in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) which started in 2023.
2. Mumbai Indians: Reliance Industries
Mumbai Indians (MI) were the most expensive franchise to be sold in the league in 2008. Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), owned by Mukesh Ambani, splurged $111.9 million to acquire the rights of the team. MI have also broadened their reach to other leagues. They have registered their presence in Major League Cricket (MLC), SA 20 League, and International League (IL) T20.
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is owned by an Indian public organisation Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited. India Cements Shareholders Trust, Saradha Logistics (6.9%), Life Insurance Corporation of India have invested in the franchise. It also owns the teams Joburg Super Kings in SA20 League and Texas Super Kings in MLC.