The Billion-Dollar Business Empires Behind IPL Team Owners

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not only a cricket tournament but also a global phenomenon that blends sports, entertainment, and big business. Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has grown into one of the most lucrative sporting leagues in the world, attracting top players, massive sponsorships, and a fanatical fan base.

But have you ever wondered who the masterminds behind these high-profile teams are? The IPL team owners are some of the biggest business tycoons, celebrities, and multinational corporations in India and abroad. Their influence extends far beyond cricket, shaping industries like entertainment, real estate, technology, and more.

In this article, we'll take a look at the business empires of IPL team owners, exploring how their ventures intersect with cricket and what makes them formidable players in sports and commerce.

The Billionaire Backers Behind IPL Teams

Cricket meets commerce in the IPL, where each franchise is powered by some of India's gigantic business moguls and global corporations. From Reliance's empire to Bollywood stars, these owners bring more than just money because they bring star power, business acumen, and a fierce competitive spirit.

Let's talk about these tycoons who turned cricket into a multi-billion-dollar spectacle, starting with the league's most dominant team.

Mumbai Indians (MI) – Reliance Industries
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – India Cements & Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Red Chillies Entertainment & Mehta Group
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – United Spirits (Diageo Group)
Delhi Capitals (DC) - GMR Group & JSW Group
Punjab Kings (PBKS) – Preity Zinta, Ness Wadia, Mohit Burman, Karan Paul
Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Manoj Badale (Emerging Media)
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Sun TV Network
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – RPSG Group
Gujarat Titans (GT) – CVC Capital Partners

Mumbai Indians (MI) – Reliance Industries

Business Empire:

• Reliance Industries Limited (Fortune 500 company)
• Jio Platforms (Telecom giant)
• Reliance Retail (India's largest retail chain)
• Network18 (Media conglomerate)

Mukesh Ambani, chairman and largest shareholder of Reliance Industries, owns the Mumbai Indians. Reliance is a conglomerate with interests spanning petrochemicals, refining, oil, telecommunications (Jio), and retail. The Mumbai Indians (MI) are the most successful team in IPL history, with five championship titles

He purchased the Mumbai Indians in 2008 for $111.9 million. Under his leadership, the franchise has won five IPL titles. His wife, Nita Ambani, and son, Akash Ambani, play an active role in managing the team.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – India Cements & Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd.

Business Empire:

• India Cements – A leading cement manufacturer in South India.
• CSK Cricket Ltd. – A separate entity managing the franchise’s commercial rights.
• Srinivasan’s other ventures - Include real estate and hospitality businesses.

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), fondly called the "Yellow Army," is one of the most beloved IPL teams, led by the iconic MS Dhoni. The team’s primary owner is N. Srinivasan, former BCCI president and vice-chairman of India Cements.

CSK’s success is built on consistency, with five IPL titles, making them second only to MI.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Red Chillies Entertainment & Mehta Group

Business Empire:

• Red Chillies Entertainment – SRK’s production house, behind blockbusters like Pathaan and Jawan.
• Mehta Group – A diversified conglomerate with interests in cement, logistics, and infrastructure.
• KKR’s Global Ventures – The franchise also owns teams in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20).

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are co-owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, actress Juhi Chawla, and businessman Jay Mehta of the Mehta Group.

KKR has won two IPL titles (2012 & 2014) and is known for its aggressive marketing and celebrity appeal.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – United Spirits (Diageo Group)

Business Empire:

• Diageo – One of the world’s largest liquor companies, owning brands like Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, and Guinness.
• Former ties with Vijay Mallya – The flamboyant businessman previously owned RCB before financial troubles led to Diageo taking over.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is one of the most popular IPL teams, despite never winning a title. The franchise is owned by Diageo, a British alcoholic beverages company, through its subsidiary United Spirits.

RCB’s fanbase, called "RCBians," remains fiercely loyal, thanks to stars like Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis. It was originally owned by Kingfisher tycoon Vijay Mallya, known for his flamboyant business style.

However, due to financial troubles, it has been controlled by the United Spirits, a subsidiary of Diageo, a British multinational known for premium liquor brands like Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, and Guinness.

Top 15 Highest Paid Players in IPL History

IPL is one of the most valuable sports leagues in the world. Let’s find players who have earned the most through IPL since its inception in 2008. Here’s the list of players with the highest earning in IPL history.

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Delhi Capitals (DC) - GMR Group & JSW Group

Business Empire: GMR Group (Infrastructure, Energy), JSW Group (Steel, Cement, Energy, Infrastructure).

Delhi Capitals is co-owned by GMR Group and JSW Group. Parth Jindal has played a crucial role in modernizing the team, making them strong title contenders. Since acquiring a 50% stake in Delhi Capitals in 2018, JSW Group, under Parth Jindal’s leadership, has worked tirelessly to revamp the team. 

From strategic player acquisitions to strengthening the squad with young talents, Jindal’s aggressive approach has transformed Delhi Capitals into strong IPL title contenders. Under new management, DC has rebranded and reached the IPL finals in 2020.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) – Preity Zinta, Ness Wadia, Mohit Burman, Karan Paul

Business Empire:

• Dabur – A leading FMCG company (products like Dabur Chyawanprash).
• Bombay Dyeing – A textile and real estate giant.
• Apeejay Surrendra Group – Involved in shipping, hospitality, and retail.

Punjab Kings (PBKS), formerly Kings XI Punjab, is co-owned by Bollywood actress Preity Zinta and business tycoons from Dabur, Bombay Dyeing, and Apeejay Group.

Despite having big names, PBKS has never won an IPL title, making them one of the underperforming franchises.

With adequate financial backing and a dedicated fan base, Punjab Kings continues to strive for IPL glory. The owners’ collective business experience across industries makes this team a commercially strong franchise in the IPL.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Manoj Badale (Emerging Media)

Business Empire:

• Emerging Media – A UK-based investment firm.
• Fox Corporation – Owns top-rated media assets like Fox News.

The Rajasthan Royals (RR), winners of the inaugural IPL (2008), are owned by British businessman Manoj Badale’s Emerging Media. Other stakeholders include Lachlan Murdoch (Fox Corporation). RR is known for its "Moneyball" strategy, focusing on young, underrated talent.

Under Manoj Badale’s leadership, the Royals have expanded their presence in global cricket, acquiring a stake in international T20 leagues, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and South Africa’s T20 league. This diversification highlights the franchise’s vision to become a global cricketing powerhouse beyond the IPL.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Sun TV Network

Business Empire:

• Sun TV Network – One of India’s largest media conglomerates (TV channels, OTT platform Sun NXT).
• SpiceJet (Formerly) – Maran previously owned the airline before selling it.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is owned by Kalanithi Maran, the media mogul behind Sun TV Network. SRH won the IPL in 2016 under the leadership of David Warner and with the help of an exceptional bowling unit featuring Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mustafizur Rahman. 

The franchise continues to be a serious contender every season, with a focus on strategic team-building and investing in top-quality international and domestic talent.

Fees of IPL Title Sponsors Over the Years

IPL title sponsor fees are crucial for BCCI and the companies involved, impacting revenue with franchises. Here is the IPL title sponsors list.

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Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – RPSG Group

Business Empire:

• RPSG Group – Owns CEAT Tyres, Power Brands (Ortel, Saregama), and Spencers Retail.

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), another new team (2022), is owned by Sanjiv Goenka’s RPSG Group. LSG has quickly built a competitive team, reaching playoffs in both seasons

Despite being a new franchise, LSG made an immediate impact in its debut season, reaching the IPL playoffs in both 2022 and 2023. With KL Rahul as captain and a well-balanced squad, the team has quickly become a formidable force in the league.

Gujarat Titans (GT) – CVC Capital Partners

Business Empire:

• CVC Capital – Invests in Formula 1, La Liga, and other major sports leagues.

The Gujarat Titans (GT), the newest IPL team (joined in 2022), shocked everyone by winning the title in their debut season. They are owned by CVC Capital Partners, a global private equity firm. GT’s success under Hardik Pandya’s leadership has made them instant favorites.

The team is owned by CVC Capital Partners, a powerhouse in the world of private equity, managing billions of dollars across industries, including sports, healthcare, and technology.

Conclusion - The Business of IPL is Bigger Than Cricket

The IPL is not just a cricket league but a multi-billion-dollar industry where business tycoons, celebrities, and global investors compete for glory. The team owners’ business empires are reshaping the league’s financial dynamics, sponsorships, and brand value.

From Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance to Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies, these owners bring more than just money—they bring vision, marketing brilliance, and a passion for the game.

As the IPL continues to grow, we can expect even bigger investments, more celebrity involvement, and perhaps new franchises in the future. One thing is certain: cricket and commerce will remain deeply intertwined in the world of IPL.

How IPL Teams Earn Money?

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FAQs

How do owners of IPL teams make money?

IPL team owners primarily make money through a combination of broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, merchandise, and prize money, with the BCCI sharing a portion of the revenue generated from these sources. 

Which IPL team is owned by Shah Rukh Khan?

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan.

Which IPL team was the most valuable franchise in 2024?

Chennai Super Kings was worth $122 million, making them the most valuable franchise brand in the Indian Premier League 2024.