The Indian Premier League (IPL) is more than just a cricket tournament—it’s a billion-dollar business, a global entertainment brand, and a fusion of sport and showbiz. While the players light up the field with their talent and flair, there’s another layer of the IPL that commands attention—the team owners. Every IPL team owner plays a crucial role in shaping the franchise’s success, managing investments, building brand value, and bringing in star power from different industries.
From Bollywood stars and industrialists to global conglomerates and startup founders, the ownership landscape of the IPL is as diverse and fascinating as the league itself. An IPL team owner is not just someone with money—they’re visionaries who influence cricket strategy, team marketing, fan engagement, and off-field brand building.
Let’s take a closer look at the owners of IPL teams, their backgrounds, and the financial muscle that powers the world’s most glamorous cricket league.
List of IPL Teams and Their Owners (2025 Edition)
1. Mumbai Indians – Reliance Industries (Nita Ambani)
Arguably the most successful IPL franchise, Mumbai Indians is owned by Reliance Industries Ltd., India’s biggest conglomerate. Nita Ambani, wife of Mukesh Ambani, is the public face of the franchise and actively involved in team affairs.
- Franchise Value: $1.3 Billion+
- Celebrity Connection: Seen often at matches and team events
- Known For: Strong scouting system, multiple IPL titles
2. Chennai Super Kings – India Cements (N. Srinivasan)
One of the most consistent teams in IPL history, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is owned by India Cements, with N. Srinivasan, the former BCCI President, as the key figure.
- Franchise Value: $1.15 Billion
- Captain Connection: Longtime association with MS Dhoni
- Strength: Stability and loyalty within the squad
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore – United Spirits (Diageo)
Initially owned by Vijay Mallya, RCB is now a part of Diageo’s United Spirits Ltd. While the team is yet to win an IPL title, it enjoys massive fan following thanks to stars like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers (now retired).
- Franchise Value: ~$1 Billion
- IPL Team Owner: Global beverage giant, Diageo
- Brand Strength: Merchandise, loyal fanbase, social media reach
Franchise Owners in IPL – A Mix of Celebrities, Corporates, and Entrepreneurs
4. Kolkata Knight Riders – Red Chillies Entertainment (Shah Rukh Khan & Juhi Chawla)
Bollywood meets cricket with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Jay Mehta, KKR was one of the first franchises to add glamour to the IPL brand.
- Franchise Value: $1.1 Billion
- Celebrity IPL Owners: Major crowd pullers
Success Factor: Brand strength and aggressive marketing
5. Punjab Kings – Preity Zinta & Ness Wadia (KPH Dream Cricket Pvt. Ltd.)
Preity Zinta, another Bollywood star, co-owns Punjab Kings. The franchise has struggled for consistency but has strong off-field popularity due to its visible and enthusiastic owners.
- IPL Team Owner: KPH Dream Cricket Pvt. Ltd.
- Celebrity Impact: High fan engagement
- Reputation: Big-hitters, explosive batting line-up
6. Delhi Capitals – GMR Group & JSW Group
A joint venture between GMR Group and JSW Group, the Delhi Capitals franchise reflects a strong corporate partnership model. This ownership has transformed Delhi into a competitive team over recent seasons.
- Franchise Value: $930 Million+
- Corporate Backing: High-end facilities and youth development
- Highlight: Focus on Indian youth like Rishabh Pant and Prithvi Shaw
Newest Teams and Their Billionaire Owners
7. Gujarat Titans – CVC Capital Partners
The Gujarat Titans, who won their maiden title in their debut season (2022), are owned by CVC Capital Partners, a European private equity firm. Their smart auction strategy and balanced squad brought instant success.
- Franchise Value: Over $850 Million
- IPL Team Owner: Global investment firm
Unique Strategy: Emphasis on data analytics and leadership
8. Lucknow Super Giants – RPSG Group (Sanjiv Goenka)
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is owned by the RPSG Group, headed by Sanjiv Goenka. Previously associated with the Rising Pune Supergiants, Goenka made a strong return with LSG.
- Team Value: Approx. $900 Million
- Strength: Balanced mix of youth and experience
Highlight: KL Rahul’s leadership and smart buys
Richest IPL Team Owner – Who Tops the Chart?
When it comes to net worth and business empire, Mukesh Ambani (Reliance Industries) remains the richest IPL team owner. His personal wealth exceeds $90 billion (as of 2025), giving Mumbai Indians unmatched financial strength and infrastructure.
Other notable names include:
- Sanjiv Goenka – RPSG Group
- Gautam Adani (expected future bidder)
- CVC Capital Partners – Massive global portfolio
How Much Does It Cost to be an IPL team owner ?
When IPL started in 2008, team costs ranged from $67 million (for Mumbai Indians) to $111 million (for RCB). But in 2022, Lucknow Super Giants were bought for a whopping ₹7090 crore (~$940 million). Today, owning an IPL team is a major investment with high ROI through:
- Brand sponsorships
- Broadcasting rights
- Merchandising
- Ticket sales
Digital and social media monetization
Celebrity IPL team owner – Star Power Off the Field
The IPL wouldn’t be what it is without a touch of Bollywood. Here are the most popular celebrity IPL owners:
Celebrity | Team | Role |
Shah Rukh Khan | KKR | Co-owner via Red Chillies |
Juhi Chawla | KKR | Co-owner |
Preity Zinta | PBKS | Co-owner |
Nita Ambani | MI | Public face of the franchise |
Their presence boosts media coverage, fan following, and ticket sales, adding massive entertainment value to the league.
Conclusion
Behind every successful IPL team is a visionary IPL team owner who not only invests financially but emotionally. These owners are entrepreneurs, celebrities, and global investors who understand the game’s commercial potential and cultural significance. As the league grows bigger each year, so does the competition among franchise owners to build the strongest brand, the most loyal fan base, and of course—the winning team.
The story of the IPL is incomplete without these influential figures who’ve transformed cricket into an entertainment empire. Whether it’s the glitz of Bollywood or the strategy of billion-dollar boardrooms, IPL team owners continue to play a starring role both on and off the field.