# Rajasthan Royals’ ₹15,660 Crore Sale Hits Legal Turbulence: Here’s What’s Really Going On

URL: https://technosports.co.in/rajasthan-royals-%e2%82%b915660-crore-sale/  
Published: 2026-05-05  
Updated: 2026-05-05  
Author: Rishikesh Majumder

Just when it seemed like the **[Rajasthan Royals (RR)](https://www.rajasthanroyals.com/)** ownership saga was settled, a dramatic new chapter has unfolded. The Kal Somani-led consortium, which was in advanced talks to acquire the franchise, is now considering legal action against RR — this just a day after the ₹15,660 crore takeover by the Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla came to light.

## The Deal That Wasn’t

The US-based Somani group is exploring its legal options after negotiations fell apart at the final stages. According to [Cricbuzz](https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/138638/somani-group-may-seek-legal-recourse), the consortium feels the process was not conducted fairly.

A source close to Somani didn’t mince words: *“They slow-dragged it. They continued negotiations in good faith until the last second. With the Walton and Hamp families behind him, money was never an issue.”*

The consortium — which included Walmart heir Rob Walton and the Hamp family of the Detroit Lions — was reportedly close to sealing a ₹15,300 crore deal before talks collapsed.

The source further alleged: *“We had queries such as whether BCCI dues were paid. From our end we have been ready to close for 10 days. There was deliberate delay and then side dealings.”*

![](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/rr-1024x630.webp)

## Who Now Owns Rajasthan Royals?

The franchise — along with Paarl Royals and Barbados Royals — has been valued at ₹15,660 crore ($1.65 billion), with the Mittal family expected to hold around 75% stake and Adar Poonawalla owning 18%.

| Stakeholder | Approximate Stake |
| --- | --- |
| Mittal Family | 75% |
| Adar Poonawalla | 18% |
| Existing Investors (incl. Manoj Badale) | 7% |

The transaction is expected to close in Q3 of 2026, subject to approvals from the BCCI, the Competition Commission of India, and the IPL Governing Council.

## The Badale Factor

One key subplot here is **Manoj Badale**. The Somani group was reportedly not in favour of Badale continuing in a significant role — which may have become a sticking point — while in the new Mittal-Poonawalla deal, Badale has been positioned as a bridge between the past and future of the franchise.

It’s a fascinating power play that goes beyond just money.

![](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/rr3-1024x576.avif)

## What Happens Next?

A formal communication could be sent to the BCCI, and the Somani group is still deciding whether to go public alongside pursuing litigation. This could put the [BCCI](https://www.bcci.tv/) — and by extension the IPL Governing Council — in an uncomfortable spot right in the middle of the season.

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