by The Indian Premier League (IPL) has transformed from a bold experiment to a global cricket phenomenon since its launch in 2008.
Behind the spectacular matches and star players are the powerful ipl team owners who have invested billions into creating world-class cricket franchises.
These owners represent India’s business elite, international investors, and even Bollywood stars who bring their business acumen and passion to cricket.
The success of IPL teams isn’t merely about collecting star players. Owners must create winning team cultures, build state-of-the-art training facilities, implement cutting-edge analytics, and develop strong fan connections.
Their strategic vision and financial backing have propelled IPL to become one of the most valuable sports leagues globally.
IPL Team Owners List 2025
This guide explores the fascinating personalities and organizations behind each IPL franchise, revealing their backgrounds, business interests, and how they’ve shaped their teams.
From Mukesh Ambani’s powerhouse Mumbai Indians to Shah Rukh Khan’s entertaining Kolkata Knight Riders, these owners have transformed cricket into a multi-billion-dollar entertainment spectacle.
List Of IPL Team Owners: Quick Overview (2025)
Before diving deeper, here’s a comprehensive overview of all current IPL franchise owners:
| 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 |
| 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 |
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians stands as IPL’s most successful franchise with five championship titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020). This powerhouse team is owned by India’s richest person, Mukesh Ambani, and his wife Nita Ambani through their company Reliance Industries.
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)
- Championships: 5 titles
Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, brings immense financial resources that have enabled Mumbai Indians to build one of IPL’s strongest squads. His wife Nita serves as the team’s mentor and is actively involved in daily operations, creating an environment where players thrive.
The Ambanis have invested in:
- World-class training facilities that match international standards
- Advanced analytics programs for performance evaluation
- Extensive talent scouting networks that discover future stars
- Community engagement initiatives that strengthen fan loyalty
Their ownership philosophy emphasizes stability and long-term planning, explaining why the team has maintained core players like Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah for multiple seasons. This continuity has been crucial to their unprecedented success.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) remains one of IPL’s most popular franchises despite never winning a championship. Originally purchased by business tycoon Vijay Mallya, the team is now owned by United Spirits Limited (USL), a Diageo subsidiary.
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
- Ownership Transfer: 2016
- Best Performance: Runners-up (2009, 2011, 2016)
RCB has featured cricket superstars including Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle, making them fan favorites despite their trophy drought. Under USL’s ownership, RCB has focused on building a strong brand identity and expanding commercial reach.
The ownership has heavily invested in marketing and fan engagement, creating one of IPL’s most passionate fan bases. While championship success has eluded them, RCB remains one of the financially successful franchises with a distinctive playing style and brand identity.
Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has established itself as one of IPL’s most consistent and successful franchises. Owned by India Cements with N. Srinivasan at the helm, CSK has built a reputation for excellence with four championship titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021).
Ownership Profile:
- Primary Owner: N. Srinivasan
- Parent Company: India Cements
- Net Worth: $10 billion
- Championships: 4 titles
N. Srinivasan, former Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and BCCI President, has been instrumental in CSK’s strategic development. His extensive cricket administration experience has helped the franchise navigate the professional cricket landscape effectively.
CSK’s ownership strengths include:
- Exceptional player retention strategy – maintaining a stable core team
- Strong leadership with MS Dhoni as long-term captain
- Effective talent management – balancing veterans with promising youngsters
- Resilient organizational culture – demonstrated by their comeback after a two-year ban
The franchise faced adversity when banned for two years (2016-2017) due to betting-related controversies, but made a triumphant return by winning the 2018 championship. This resilience showcases the strong foundation built by the ownership.
CSK has cultivated the loyal “Yellow Army” fan base, particularly in Tamil Nadu, translating into consistent commercial success. Their ownership philosophy emphasizes stability and strategic thinking over flashy acquisitions.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) entered the IPL in 2013 as a replacement for Deccan Chargers. Owned by Kalanithi Maran’s Sun TV Network, the team quickly established itself as a competitive franchise, winning the championship in 2016.
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, founder and chairman of Sun TV Network, is one of India’s most successful media entrepreneurs. Recently, his daughter Kavya Maran has taken a more visible role in operations, becoming one of the few prominent female faces in IPL ownership.
Under the Marans’ ownership, SRH has developed a reputation for:
- Exceptional bowling strength – consistently fielding one of the best attacks
- Prudent auction strategies – making strategic rather than flashy purchases
- Effective talent development – identifying promising players
- Stable management – maintaining leadership continuity
The Sun TV Network’s media expertise has helped build a strong brand presence, particularly in Telugu-speaking regions. The ownership’s commitment to competitive teams while maintaining financial discipline has made SRH one of the more efficiently run franchises.
Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals, originally named Delhi Daredevils, underwent rebranding in 2018 following ownership restructuring. The team is jointly owned by the GMR Group and 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
- Best Performance: Runners-up (2020)
The GMR Group initially acquired the franchise in 2008 as a major infrastructure company. The JSW Group purchased a 50% stake in 2018, bringing fresh perspectives through Parth Jindal, who has taken an active management role.
Under the joint ownership, 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, connecting with fans
- Establishing a progressive team culture under experienced coaches
While Delhi Capitals hasn’t won an IPL title, the team has shown marked improvement since ownership restructuring, reaching their first final in 2020 and consistently qualifying for playoffs in recent seasons.
Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) represents Punjab with a diverse ownership consortium including 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
- Net Worth:
- Dabur Group (Mohit Burman): $10.4 billion
- Ness Wadia: $6.7 billion
- Preity Zinta: $15 million
- Best Performance: Runners-up (2014)
This diverse ownership group brings varied expertise:
- Mohit Burman: Vice Chairman of Dabur India
- Ness Wadia: Managing Director of Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation
- Preity Zinta: Acclaimed Bollywood actress bringing star power
- Karan Paul: Chairman of the Apeejay Surrendra Group
Despite enthusiastic ownership, Punjab Kings have struggled for consistent success, coming closest to a title in 2014 as runners-up. The franchise rebranded from Kings XI Punjab in 2021 to forge a stronger regional identity.
Preity Zinta’s passionate presence at matches has made her one of IPL’s most recognizable owners, with her emotional investment endearing her to fans even during challenging seasons.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) combines Bollywood glamour with business acumen through its high-profile ownership. Led by Shah Rukh Khan, one of India’s biggest movie stars, KKR has established itself as one of IPL’s most recognizable brands.
Ownership Profile:
- Primary Owners: Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Jay Mehta
- 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
- Championships: 3 titles (2012, 2014, 2024)
Shah Rukh Khan brings enormous star power and marketing expertise, while business partner and fellow Bollywood star Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta (Mehta Group industrialist) complete the ownership trio.
KKR’s ownership demonstrated patience and strategic thinking in building the franchise. After disappointing early seasons, they revamped their approach in 2011, appointing Gautam Gambhir as captain and focusing on team balance rather than just star acquisitions.
This strategic shift paid dividends with championships in 2012, 2014, and most recently in 2024 (again under Gambhir’s leadership). Their success formula includes:
- Data-driven decision making in player acquisition
- Strong team culture over individual stardom
- Investment in talent scouting
- Building passionate fan bases in Eastern India
Shah Rukh Khan’s emotional presence at matches has become a defining IPL image, strengthening the emotional connection between the franchise and supporters.
Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals created history by winning the inaugural IPL tournament in 2008 despite being underdogs. The franchise is owned by a diverse investor group led by Manoj Badale through Royals Sports Group.
Ownership Profile:
- Primary Owner: Manoj Badale (Emerging Media)
- Co-Owners: Lachlan Murdoch and other investors
- Purchase Year: 2008
- Purchase Price: $67 million
- Net Worth:
- Manoj Badale: $160 million
- Lachlan Murdoch: $2.1 billion
- Championship: 1 title (2008)
Rajasthan Royals’ ownership structure has evolved, with various investors acquiring stakes. Manoj Badale, a British-Indian entrepreneur, remains the lead owner and chairman.
The team faced challenges when suspended for two seasons (2016-2017) due to betting-related controversies involving part-owner Raj Kundra. Under Badale’s leadership, they made a successful 2018 return and reached the 2022 final.
Rajasthan Royals is known for its unique approach:
- Value-for-money players rather than expensive superstars
- Identifying undiscovered talent from domestic cricket
- Innovative training methods and game strategies
- Building grassroots cricket programs
Recent investors include Lachlan Murdoch (son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch), strengthening their financial position. Despite smaller budgets, their smart management has helped nurture talents who became international stars.
Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans made a spectacular IPL entry by winning the championship in their debut 2022 season. Owned by CVC Capital Partners, they represent one of the first major international private equity investments in 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 firm with a strong sports investment track record, including stakes in Six Nations Rugby, Volleyball World, and previously Formula 1.
The ownership’s sports management expertise showed in their quick establishment of a competitive team. Unlike many struggling new franchises, the Gujarat Titans succeeded immediately with clear strategies for:
- Team composition – balancing internationals with promising Indian talent
- Leadership – Appointing Hardik Pandya as captain proved successful
- Support staff – assembling world-class coaching teams
- Brand building – creating strong regional connections
Their success demonstrates how professional institutional investors can impact cricket positively, potentially attracting more international investment to the sport.
Lucknow Super Giants
Lucknow Super Giants joined the IPL alongside Gujarat Titans in 2022. The franchise is owned by RPSG Group, led by businessman Sanjiv Goenka, who previously owned Rising Pune Supergiant.
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 spanning power, retail, media, and sports. Goenka’s previous IPL experience provided valuable cricket franchise management insights.
Lucknow Super Giants paid the highest price ever for an IPL franchise at acquisition, demonstrating RPSG Group’s strong cricket commitment. Their methodical team-building approach emphasizes:
- Building around Indian core players with international quality
- Strategic overseas acquisitions for specific team needs
- Experienced backroom staff with proven IPL success
- Regional connection with Uttar Pradesh’s cricket heritage
Though still developing, Lucknow Super Giants shows promising signs of becoming a consistent IPL performer. Their substantial franchise investment indicates a 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 achieved the most consistent success with five and four championships, respectively. Their long-term strategic planning and stable team management have created cricket dynasties.
- 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 that purchase franchise rights. The BCCI oversees league operations, sets regulations, and distributes broadcasting revenue among franchises.
- Who is the wealthiest IPL team owner?
Mukesh Ambani, Mumbai Indians, is by far the wealthiest with approximately $92.8 billion net worth. His company, Reliance Industries, is one of India’s largest conglomerates with interests across petrochemicals, retail, telecommunications, and media.
- Which is the richest IPL team?
Mumbai Indians is considered the richest team by brand value, followed by Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. Mumbai Indians’ estimated $100+ million brand value stems from consistent performance and Reliance Industries’ financial backing.
- How much does it cost to buy an IPL team now?
IPL team acquisition costs have risen dramatically since inception. The newest franchises, Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, cost approximately $685 million and $932 million,n respectively, in 2021—a massive increase from the $67-112 million original franchises’ cost in 2008.
- Do IPL team owners make profit?
Yes, most established IPL 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, franchise values have appreciated significantly, creating substantial wealth for early investors.
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Conclusion:
The landscape of IPL team owners presents a fascinating mix of India’s business elite, entertainment stars, and international investors who have transformed cricket into a global entertainment spectacle.
Their vision and investments have created valuable sports franchises, generating employment, entertainment, and economic activity worldwide.
The diverse ownership models—from family corporations like Reliance Industries to consortium approaches like Punjab Kings—show there’s no single formula for sports ownership success.
What unites successful franchises is strategic vision, financial commitment, and passion for cricket.
As IPL evolves, team ownership grows increasingly sophisticated. The entry of professional sports investors like CVC Capital Partners signals a new phase where global expertise and institutional capital flow into Indian cricket, accelerating management professionalization and creating innovation opportunities.
The skyrocketing valuations of recent franchise sales, with Lucknow Super Giants commanding $932 million, highlight how dramatically the IPL landscape has transformed since 2008.
Early investors have seen exceptional returns both financially and in brand-building.
Understanding ownership dynamics helps fans appreciate the business decisions shaping their favorite teams. From auction strategies to coaching appointments, many key decisions reflect ownership priorities and philosophies.
As IPL continues growing, team owners will increasingly influence not just their franchises but cricket’s future direction.
Their continued investment and innovation remain crucial for maintaining IPL’s position as cricket’s most exciting and financially successful league.