RCB and Rajasthan Royals raked in over $1 billion from the fresh sale. Here's a look at current owners, past deals and how franchise brand valuations have grown
Two multi-billion-dollar franchise deals have put the IPL in the global spotlight, but how does it compare with the NFL, EPL and NBA in size, revenue and influence across world sport
As RCB and Rajasthan Royals hit billion-dollar valuations, investors are betting on scale and scarcity but the real test lies in cash flows, growth and exit strategies
Record-breaking sales of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals highlight IPL's rapid growth, but raise questions on returns, valuation logic and motivations behind team ownership
Bengaluru-based franchise is being acquired from United Spirits Limited (USL), a subsidiary of Diageo plc, in a deal that values RCB at $1.78 billion (around ₹16,600 crore)
Under IPL regulations, players who pull out after being picked at auction without a valid injury or medical reason risk suspension from participating in the next two auctions
Cricket's dominance in India is built on deep structural strengths-from grassroots systems to governance-while other sports struggle to scale beyond visibility
India's sports economy is booming past $2 billion, but cricket's overwhelming dominance is squeezing growth in other sports
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Friday issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis to participate in the IPL 2026 after the trio successfully completed its physical performance tests. Pacer Chameera and opener Nissanka are part of Delhi Capitals for the upcoming edition of the IPL, while all-rounder Kamindu Mendis has been retained by the Sunrisers Hyderabad. "Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wishes to announce that players who have requested to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 will be issued only upon successfully passing SLC's mandatory Physical Performance Test," the governing body said in a statement. "At present, SLC is conducting an eight-week specialized physical training program for all nationally contracsed players. This initiative aims to enhance players' physical performance standards in preparation for upcoming international assignments. "Accordingly, Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis ha
Despite overhauling their squad after a disappointing title defence in 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders have retained faith in skipper Ajinkya Rahane, who said on Friday he is embracing the responsibility with calmness and positivity. Rahane, who topped KKR's scoring charts last season with 390 runs, could not prevent the team from finishing eighth with just five wins in 14 matches (two abandoned). But the veteran insisted that pressure is nothing new, and he is focused on approaching challenges with the right mindset. "Every year, there are different challenges as a player and also as a captain. What I learned throughout my journey is be positive each and every time, whatever challenges are there," the 37-year-old said during KKR's first media interaction of the season. "I've been leading the team since last year and really grateful to the franchise that they gave me this responsibility to lead the team. Taking everything in my stride, taking everything in a positive way. There are alw
KKR begin trials for pacer replacement after Harshit Rana is ruled out of IPL 2026, with multiple bowlers under evaluation ahead of their season opener.
SRH are scheduled to begin their IPL 2026 campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28
Swedish private equity firm EQT and a consortium led by Manipal Group's Ranjan Pai, along with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (KKR) and Temasek, are in the race.
Krafton confirms new BGMI collaborations with IPL teams Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders as part of the upcoming 4.3 update rollout, starting March 21 onwards
While the start date has been confirmed, the full schedule and venues for the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League is expected to be released soon
The final bids for RR are scheduled for the first week of March. While no specific date has been fixed for RCB, bidders have been told the process will conclude in February
Adar Poonawalla confirms he will submit a strong and competitive bid for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, following USL's strategic review of the IPL team
The accelerated rounds featured further big purchases, including Pathum Nissanka, Jason Holder, Mustafizur Rahman, Liam Livingstone and Josh Inglis.
PL 2026 mini auction: Cameron Green tops the list at Rs 25.20 cr. Check top 20 costliest buys, including Pathirana, Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer, with teams and prices.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni was an established India star even before Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma were born. They were literally in their nappies when the legend of 'Captain Cool' was taking shape during those formative years of the Indian Premier League. But if they put hands on their hearts, neither the 19-year-old keeper-batter Kartik nor the 20-year-old left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Veer would have thought that by Tuesday evening, they would jointly walk into the record books with bank-breaking deals of Rs 14.20 crore from Chennai Super Kings. More enticing than that is the opportunity of a lifetime to share the dressing room with none other than Dhoni, already 44 and still going strong. Whether keeper Kartik will get a look-in when Sanju Samson and Dhoni can don the big gloves or if Veer can be groomed as a long-term replacement of Ravindra Jadeja is a matter of debate. But Chennai Super Kings have displayed a clever switch in philosophy looking at the future when Ruturaj ...