IPL Team Owners List 2025 – Franchise Owners with Net Worth

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has grown from an ambitious cricket tournament to a global sporting phenomenon since its launch in 2008.

Behind the dazzling matches and star players are the ipl team owners who have transformed cricket into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise.

These owners—ranging from business tycoons and Bollywood celebrities to international corporations—have invested massive resources to build world-class teams.

The success of IPL hasn’t happened by accident. Team owners pour significant investments into acquiring top talent, developing state-of-the-art training facilities, and implementing cutting-edge performance analytics.

Their business acumen and passion for cricket have been crucial in lifting IPL to international prominence, making it one of the most-watched sports leagues globally.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the fascinating people and organizations behind each IPL franchise.

IPL Team Owners List 2025

IPL Team Owners

You’ll discover their backgrounds, net worth, business interests, and how their involvement has shaped their respective teams.

Whether you’re curious about Mukesh Ambani’s influence on Mumbai Indians or Shah Rukh Khan’s role in Kolkata Knight Riders, we’ve got you covered.

Understanding team ownership provides valuable insights into each franchise’s strategic decisions, financial capabilities, and overall direction.

So let’s dive into the world of IPL team owners and uncover the powerful figures behind the scenes who make cricket magic happen!

List Of IPL Team Owners: Quick Overview (2025)

Before we explore each team in detail, here’s a comprehensive table showing all current IPL franchise owners, their associated companies, when they purchased their teams, and their impressive net worth figures:

Team Name Owners Owners’ Company Purchase Year Net Worth (USD)
Mumbai Indians Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani Reliance Industries 2008 $92.8 billion
Royal Challengers Bangalore United Spirits Limited (USL) United Spirits Limited 2008 $11.95 billion (₹98,891 crore)
Chennai Super Kings N. Srinivasan India Cements 2008 $10 billion
Sunrisers Hyderabad Kalanithi Maran Sun TV Network 2012 $5.3 billion
Delhi Capitals Sajjan Jindal, Parth Jindal GMR Group, JSW Group 2008 GMR: $3.2 billion, JSW: $7.68 billion
Punjab Kings Mohit Burman, Ness Wadia, Preity Zinta, Karan Paul Multiple individual owners 2008 Dabur Group: $10.4 billion, Preity Zinta: $15 million, Ness Wadia: $6.7 billion
Kolkata Knight Riders Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, Jay Mehta Mehta Group 2008 Shah Rukh Khan: $780 million, Juhi Chawla: $6 million, Jay Mehta: $3.5 billion
Rajasthan Royals Manoj Badale, Lachlan Murdoch & others Royals Sports Group 2008 Manoj Badale: $160 million, Lachlan Murdoch: $2.1 billion
Gujarat Titans CVC Capital Partners CVC Capital Partners plc 2021 Assets under management: €182 billion
Lucknow Super Giants Sanjiv Goenka RPSG Group 2021 $4.5 billion

Now, let’s examine each franchise in detail to understand the people behind these powerhouse cricket teams.

Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians, established in 2008, stands as one of the most successful franchises in IPL history with an impressive five championship titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020). The team’s remarkable success is backed by India’s richest person, Mukesh Ambani, and his wife, Nita Ambani.

Ownership Profile:

  • Primary Owners: Mukesh and Nita Ambani
  • Parent Company: Reliance Industries Limited
  • Purchase Price (2008): $111.9 million
  • Current Net Worth: $92.8 billion (Mukesh Ambani)

Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries, has consistently ranked among the world’s wealthiest individuals. His enormous financial resources have allowed Mumbai Indians to build one of the strongest squads in the IPL.

Nita Ambani serves as the team’s mentor and is actively involved in day-to-day operations. Her leadership has been crucial in building the team’s strong foundation and creating an environment where players can thrive.

Key Contributions:

  • State-of-the-art training facilities that rival international standards
  • Pioneering data analytics program for player performance evaluation
  • Robust talent scouting network that has discovered several future stars
  • Community engagement initiatives that have strengthened the team’s fan base

Mumbai Indians is known for its professional management structure and long-term strategic planning. The Ambanis have invested significantly in building infrastructure that supports player development and performance optimization.

Their ownership approach emphasizes continuity, which explains why the team has maintained a core group of players like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kieron Pollard for many seasons. This stability has been a key factor in their consistent success.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has been one of the most popular IPL franchises since the league’s inception, despite not having won the championship yet. The team was originally purchased by business tycoon Vijay Mallya but is now owned by United Spirits Limited (USL), a subsidiary of Diageo.

Ownership Profile:

  • Current Owner: United Spirits Limited (Diageo)
  • Original Owner: Vijay Mallya
  • Purchase Price (2008): ₹464 crore ($111.6 million)
  • Company Net Worth: $11.95 billion (₹98,891 crore)
  • Ownership Transfer: 2016 (from Vijay Mallya to Diageo)

RCB has consistently been one of the most valuable franchises in the IPL, thanks largely to its star-studded lineup and massive fan following. The team has featured cricket superstars like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle, making them fan favorites despite their trophy drought.

Key Facts:

  • RCB has reached the IPL finals three times (2009, 2011, 2016)
  • The team’s value has grown substantially since its acquisition
  • RCB’s home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, consistently sells out matches
  • The franchise has one of the largest social media followings in the IPL

Under United Spirits Limited’s ownership, RCB has focused on building a strong brand identity and expanding its commercial reach. Despite changes in ownership, the team has maintained its distinctive red and black colors and aggressive playing style that fans have come to love.

The ownership has invested heavily in marketing and fan engagement, creating one of the most passionate fan bases in the league. While championship success has eluded them, RCB remains one of the most financially successful franchises in the IPL.

Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has established itself as one of the most consistent and successful franchises in IPL history. Owned by India Cements with N. Srinivasan at the helm, CSK has built a reputation for excellence and strategic team building.

Ownership Profile:

  • Primary Owner: N. Srinivasan
  • Parent Company: India Cements
  • Purchase Year: 2008
  • Net Worth: $10 billion
  • Championship Wins: 4 titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021)

N. Srinivasan, the former Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and BCCI President, has been instrumental in CSK’s strategic development. His extensive experience in cricket administration has helped the franchise navigate the complex landscape of professional cricket.

Key Strengths:

  • Exceptional player retention strategy – CSK is known for maintaining a stable core team
  • Strong leadership with MS Dhoni as the long-term captain
  • Effective talent management – balancing experienced players with promising youngsters
  • Resilient organizational culture – demonstrated by their comeback after a two-year ban

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of CSK’s ownership is how they handled adversity. After facing a two-year ban (2016-2017) due to betting-related controversies, CSK made a triumphant return in 2018 by winning the championship, showcasing the resilience instilled by the ownership.

The franchise has cultivated a loyal fan base, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where the “Yellow Army” has become a powerful symbol of regional pride. This strong community connection has translated into consistent commercial success for the team.

CSK’s ownership philosophy emphasizes stability, experience, and strategic thinking over flashy acquisitions. This patient approach has yielded consistent results, making them one of the most respected franchises in the league.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) entered the IPL in 2013 as a replacement for the Deccan Chargers franchise. Owned by Kalanithi Maran’s Sun TV Network, the team has quickly established itself as a formidable competitor in the league.

Ownership Profile:

  • Primary Owners: Kalanithi Maran and Kavya Maran
  • Parent Company: Sun TV Network
  • Acquisition Year: 2012
  • Purchase Price: ₹425.2 crore ($85.05 million)
  • Owner Net Worth: $5.3 billion
  • Championship: 1 title (2016)

Kalanithi Maran, the founder and chairman of Sun TV Network, is one of India’s most successful media entrepreneurs. In recent years, his daughter Kavya Maran has taken a more visible role in the franchise’s operations, becoming one of the few prominent female faces in IPL team ownership.

Team Characteristics:

  • Strong focus on bowling talent – consistently fielding one of the best bowling attacks
  • Prudent auction strategies – making strategic rather than flashy purchases
  • Effective talent development – identifying and nurturing promising players
  • Stable management structure – maintaining continuity in team leadership

Under the Marans’ ownership, SRH won their maiden IPL title in 2016 under David Warner’s captaincy. The franchise has been known for its disciplined approach to team building, often prioritizing bowling strength over batting firepower—a strategy that has served them well.

The Sun TV Network’s media expertise has helped SRH build a strong brand presence, particularly in the Telugu-speaking regions of India. Kavya Maran’s increasing involvement has brought fresh energy to the franchise, with her passionate presence during matches often highlighted by broadcast cameras.

The ownership’s commitment to building a competitive team while maintaining financial discipline has made SRH one of the more efficiently run franchises in the IPL.

Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals, originally named Delhi Daredevils, underwent a rebranding in 2018 following a change in ownership structure. The team is now jointly owned by the GMR Group and the JSW Group, bringing together two powerful Indian conglomerates.

Ownership Profile:

  • Primary Owners: Sajjan Jindal and Parth Jindal (JSW Group), GMR Group
  • Ownership Structure: 50% GMR Group, 50% JSW Group
  • Initial Purchase Year: 2008 (by GMR Group)
  • JSW Entry: 2018
  • Combined Net Worth: GMR: $3.2 billion, JSW: $7.68 billion

The GMR Group, which initially acquired the franchise in 2008, is a major infrastructure company with interests in airports, energy, transportation, and urban infrastructure. The JSW Group, which purchased a 50% stake in 2018, is one of India’s leading conglomerates with primary interests in steel, energy, cement, and infrastructure.

Franchise Evolution:

  • Original identity: Delhi Daredevils (2008-2018)
  • Rebranded as: Delhi Capitals (2019-present)
  • Best Performance: Runners-up (2020)
  • Recent Improvements: Reached playoffs in 2019, 2020, and 2021

The joint ownership has breathed new life into the franchise, which had previously struggled to achieve consistent results. Parth Jindal, the young scion of the JSW Group, has taken an active role in the team’s management, bringing fresh perspectives and energy.

Under the new ownership structure, Delhi Capitals has focused on:

  • Building a young, dynamic squad with promising Indian talent
  • Implementing modern training methods and performance analytics
  • Creating a more engaging brand to connect with fans
  • Establishing a progressive team culture under experienced coaches

While Delhi Capitals have yet to win an IPL title, the team has shown marked improvement since the ownership restructuring. The franchise reached its first-ever IPL final in 2020 and has consistently qualified for the playoffs in recent seasons, suggesting that the ownership’s strategy is bearing fruit.

Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) represents the vibrant northern Indian state of Punjab in the IPL. The franchise is unique for its diverse ownership consortium that includes business leaders and Bollywood star Preity Zinta.

Ownership Profile:

  • Primary Owners: Mohit Burman, Ness Wadia, Preity Zinta, and Karan Paul
  • Ownership Structure: Consortium of individual investors
  • Purchase Year: 2008
  • Net Worth:
    • Dabur Group (Mohit Burman): $10.4 billion
    • Ness Wadia: $6.7 billion
    • Preity Zinta: $15 million
    • Karan Paul: Not publicly disclosed

This diverse ownership group brings varied expertise to the franchise:

  • Mohit Burman: Vice Chairman of Dabur India, one of India’s largest consumer goods companies
  • Ness Wadia: Managing Director of Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation and part of the prestigious Wadia Group
  • Preity Zinta: Acclaimed Bollywood actress who brings star power and media expertise
  • Karan Paul: Chairman of the Apeejay Surrendra Group, a diverse business conglomerate

Team Journey:

  • Original Name: Kings XI Punjab (2008-2020)
  • Rebranded as: Punjab Kings (2021-present)
  • Best Performance: Runners-up (2014)
  • Home Grounds: PCA Stadium (Mohali) and Inderjit Singh Bindra Stadium (Dharamsala)

Despite having one of the most enthusiastic ownership groups, the Punjab Kings have struggled to achieve consistent success in the IPL. The team came closest to winning the title in 2014 when they reached the final under George Bailey’s captaincy.

The franchise has been known for:

  • Bold auction strategies – often making headline-grabbing purchases
  • Willingness to experiment with team composition and leadership
  • Strong commercial partnerships leveraging the owners’ business networks
  • Active community engagement in Punjab and surrounding regions

Preity Zinta’s passionate presence at matches has made her one of the most recognizable team owners in the IPL. Her emotional investment in the team’s performance has endeared her to fans, even during challenging seasons.

The ownership’s decision to rebrand the franchise as Punjab Kings in 2021 reflected their desire to forge a stronger connection with the team’s home region and build a more distinctive identity in the crowded IPL landscape.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) combines the glamour of Bollywood with shrewd business acumen through its high-profile ownership group. Led by Shah Rukh Khan, one of India’s biggest movie stars, KKR has established itself as one of the IPL’s most recognizable brands.

Ownership Profile:

  • Primary Owners: Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Jay Mehta
  • Parent Company: Red Chillies Entertainment (Shah Rukh Khan) and Mehta Group
  • Purchase Price (2008): ₹2.98 billion ($75.09 million)
  • Net Worth:
    • Shah Rukh Khan: $780 million
    • Juhi Chawla: $6 million
    • Jay Mehta: $3.5 billion
  • Championship Titles: 3 (2012, 2014, 2024)

Shah Rukh Khan, often called the “King of Bollywood,” brings enormous star power and marketing expertise to the franchise. His business partner and fellow Bollywood star Juhi Chawla, along with her husband Jay Mehta (an industrialist who runs the Mehta Group), complete the ownership trio.

Team Highlights:

  • Turnaround Story: After struggling in the early seasons, KKR restructured its approach and found success
  • Strategic Leadership: Gautam Gambhir’s captaincy led to their first two titles
  • Recent Success: Won their third title in 2024, again under Gambhir’s leadership
  • Strong Brand Identity: Purple and gold colors and “Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo” (Do, Fight, Win) slogan

KKR’s ownership has demonstrated patience and strategic thinking in building the franchise. After disappointing performances in the first three seasons, they revamped their approach in 2011, appointing Gautam Gambhir as captain and focusing on creating a balanced team rather than just acquiring star players.

This strategic shift paid dividends when KKR won their first IPL title in 2012, followed by another championship in 2014. The team’s success has been built on:

  • Data-driven decision making in player acquisition
  • Strong emphasis on team culture over individual stardom
  • Investment in scouting domestic and international talent
  • Building a passionate fan base in Eastern India

Shah Rukh Khan’s passionate presence at matches has become a defining image of the IPL. His emotional reactions to the team’s performance, celebrations with players, and interactions with fans have created a strong emotional connection between the franchise and its supporters.

The ownership’s recent decision to bring back Gautam Gambhir in a leadership role proved successful, as KKR claimed their third IPL title in 2024, cementing their status as one of the most successful franchises in the league’s history.

Rajasthan Royals

The Rajasthan Royals created IPL history by winning the inaugural tournament in 2008 despite being considered underdogs. This franchise is owned by a diverse group of investors led by Manoj Badale through Royals Sports Group.

Ownership Profile:

  • Primary Owner: Manoj Badale (Emerging Media)
  • Co-Owners: Lachlan Murdoch and other investors
  • Ownership Structure: Royals Sports Group (formerly Emerging Media)
  • Purchase Year: 2008
  • Purchase Price: $67 million
  • Net Worth:
    • Manoj Badale: $160 million
    • Lachlan Murdoch: $2.1 billion
  • Championship: 1 title (2008)

The ownership structure of the Rajasthan Royals has evolved, with various investors acquiring stakes in the franchise. Manoj Badale, a British-Indian entrepreneur, remains the lead owner and chairman of the franchise.

Key Milestones:

  • 2008: Won the inaugural IPL season under Shane Warne’s captaincy
  • 2015-2016: Served a two-year suspension from the IPL
  • 2018: Returned to competition after the ban
  • 2022: Reached the final but lost to the Gujarat Titans

Rajasthan Royals has been known for its unique approach to team building, often focusing on:

  • Value-for-money players rather than expensive superstars
  • Identifying undiscovered talent from domestic cricket and rural areas
  • Innovative training methods and game strategies
  • Building a sustainable cricket ecosystem through grassroots programs

The team faced significant challenges when it was suspended for two seasons (2016-2017) due to betting-related controversies involving part-owner Raj Kundra. However, under Manoj Badale’s leadership, the franchise made a successful return to the IPL in 2018.

In recent years, the ownership has attracted additional investors, including Lachlan Murdoch (son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch), strengthening the franchise’s financial position. The Royals have also expanded their footprint by acquiring teams in other cricket leagues, creating a global “Royals” brand.

Despite operating with one of the smaller budgets in the IPL, the Rajasthan Royals’ smart management and strategic approach have helped them remain competitive and nurture talents who have gone on to become international stars.

Gujarat Titans

Gujarat Titans made a spectacular entry into the IPL by winning the championship in their debut season in 2022. The franchise is owned by CVC Capital Partners, marking one of the first instances of a major international private equity firm investing in the IPL.

Ownership Profile:

  • Owner: CVC Capital Partners
  • Entry Year: 2021
  • Acquisition Cost: ₹5,625 crore ($685 million)
  • Assets Under Management: €182 billion
  • Championship: 1 title (2022)

CVC Capital Partners is a global private equity and investment advisory firm with a strong track record of investing in sports properties, including stakes in Six Nations Rugby, Volleyball World, and previously in Formula 1.

Remarkable Debut:

  • Assembled a balanced squad under the leadership of Hardik Pandya
  • Won the IPL title in their inaugural season (2022)
  • Built a strong fan base in Gujarat very quickly
  • Established a reputation for strategic excellence and calm decision-making

The ownership’s expertise in sports management has been evident in how quickly they established a competitive team. Unlike many new franchises that struggle in their early years, Gujarat Titans hit the ground running with clear strategies for:

  • Team composition – balancing experienced internationals with promising Indian talent
  • Leadership structure – appointing Hardik Pandya as captain was a bold but successful move
  • Backroom staff – assembling a world-class coaching and support team
  • Brand building – creating strong connections with the Gujarat region

CVC’s professional approach to sports ownership has brought a new dimension to the IPL. Their global perspective and experience managing elite sports properties have introduced fresh ideas to the league’s ecosystem.

The success of the Gujarat Titans demonstrates how professional institutional investors can make an immediate impact in cricket, potentially paving the way for more international investment in the sport.

Lucknow Super Giants

Lucknow Super Giants joined the IPL alongside Gujarat Titans in 2022 as part of the league’s expansion to ten teams. The franchise is owned by RPSG Group, led by businessman Sanjiv Goenka, who previously owned the Rising Pune Supergiant team.

Ownership Profile:

  • Primary Owner: Sanjiv Goenka
  • Parent Company: RPSG Group
  • Entry Year: 2021
  • Acquisition Cost: ₹7,090 crore ($932 million)
  • Owner Net Worth: $4.5 billion
  • Previous Experience: Owned Rising Pune Supergiant (2016-2017)

The RPSG Group is a diversified conglomerate with interests in power, carbon black, IT, retail, media, entertainment, and sports. Sanjiv Goenka’s previous experience in the IPL with Rising Pune Supergiant gave him valuable insights into cricket franchise management.

Franchise Development:

  • Strong auction strategy – securing K.L. Rahul as captain and building a balanced squad
  • Playoff qualification in their debut season (2022)
  • Focus on creating a distinctive team culture and identity
  • Investment in infrastructure to support long-term development

Lucknow Super Giants paid the highest price ever for an IPL franchise at the time of acquisition, demonstrating the RPSG Group’s strong commitment to cricket and belief in the league’s continued growth potential.

The franchise has adopted a methodical approach to team building, leveraging Sanjiv Goenka’s previous IPL experience to avoid the common pitfalls that new teams face. Their strategy emphasizes:

  • Building around Indian core players with international quality
  • Strategic overseas acquisitions to fill specific team needs
  • Strong backroom staff with proven IPL experience
  • Creating regional pride by connecting with Uttar Pradesh’s rich cricket heritage

Though still in its early days, Lucknow Super Giants has shown promising signs of becoming a consistent performer in the IPL. The ownership’s willingness to invest heavily in acquiring the franchise indicates their long-term commitment to building a successful cricket brand.

FAQs

  • Who is the best owner of IPL teams?

While “best” is subjective, Mukesh Ambani (Mumbai Indians) and N. Srinivasan (Chennai Super Kings) have seen the most consistent success in terms of team performance and brand value. Mumbai Indians has won five titles, while Chennai Super Kings has secured four championships.

  • Which company owns IPL?

The IPL is owned and operated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Individual teams are owned by separate entities or individuals who purchase franchise rights. The BCCI oversees the league operations, sets regulations, and distributes broadcasting revenue among franchises.

  • Who is the wealthiest IPL team owner?

Mukesh Ambani, owner of the Mumbai Indians, is by far the wealthiest IPL team owner with a net worth of approximately $92.8 billion. His company, Reliance Industries, is one of India’s largest conglomerates with interests in petrochemicals, retail, telecommunications, and media.

  • Which is the Richest IPL team?

As of recent valuations, the Mumbai Indians are considered the richest IPL team in terms of brand value, followed closely by Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. Mumbai Indians’ brand value is estimated to be over $100 million, benefiting from their consistent performance and the financial backing of Reliance Industries.

  • How much does it cost to buy an IPL team now?

The cost of acquiring an IPL team has risen dramatically since the league’s inception. The most recent expansion teams, Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, were purchased for approximately $685 million and $932 million respectively in 2021. This represents a significant increase from the $67-112 million that original franchises cost in 2008.

  • Do IPL team owners make a profit?

Yes, most established IPL team owners generate substantial profits through multiple revenue streams:

  • Central Revenue Pool share from broadcasting rights
  • Sponsorship Deals at the team level
  • Merchandise Sales
  • Ticket Revenue
  • Prize Money from tournament performance

Additionally, the franchise values have appreciated significantly since the initial purchase, creating substantial wealth on paper for early investors.

  • Can foreigners own IPL teams?

Yes, foreign entities and individuals can own IPL teams. The Gujarat Titans are owned by CVC Capital Partners, a British private equity firm. Additionally, Rajasthan Royals have international investors, including Lachlan Murdoch. The BCCI allows foreign ownership provided the companies establish an Indian entity for operational purposes.

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Conclusion:

The landscape of IPL team owners represents an intriguing mix of India’s business elite, entertainment stars, and international investors who have transformed cricket from a traditional sport into a global entertainment spectacle.

Their vision and investments have created not just cricket teams but valuable sports franchises that generate employment, entertainment, and economic activity.

The diverse ownership models—from family-owned corporations like Reliance Industries (Mumbai Indians) to consortium approaches like Punjab Kings—demonstrate that there is no single formula for success in sports ownership.

What unites these successful franchises is strategic vision, financial commitment, and passion for the game.

As the IPL continues to evolve, team ownership is becoming increasingly sophisticated. The entry of professional sports investors like CVC Capital Partners signals a new phase where global expertise and institutional capital are flowing into Indian cricket.

This trend will likely accelerate the professionalization of team management and create new opportunities for innovation in how cricket franchises operate.

The astronomical valuations of recent franchise sales, with Lucknow Super Giants commanding $932 million, highlight how dramatically the IPL landscape has changed since the initial team purchases in 2008.

Early investors have seen exceptional returns on their investments, both financially and in terms of brand building and social capital.

Understanding the ownership dynamics helps fans appreciate the business decisions that shape their favorite teams. From auction strategies to coaching appointments, many key decisions reflect the priorities and philosophies of the ownership groups.

As the IPL enters its next phase of growth, team owners will play an increasingly important role in shaping not just their franchises but the future direction of cricket itself.

Their continued investment and innovation will be crucial in maintaining the IPL’s position as cricket’s most exciting and financially successful league.

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