The Full IPL Team Owners List 2026: Meet the Franchise Bosses for the Season

Set against the backdrop of Abu Dhabi on December 16, the IPL 2026 auction is where immense fortunes are truly put in motion. It’s a billion-dollar stage controlled by franchise tycoons, where every bid isn’t just a price but a calculated step. These owners determine the fate of players, using retentions and new signings as stepping stones to build their empires. Witnessing the raising stakes and intense bids is a stark reminder that behind the stars and the glamour, this movement of talent is a serious business strategy.

The 2026 IPL Franchise Ownership Lineup

For cricket lovers, the IPL teams Owner’s list is a thrilling roster of big names and high-profile celebrities, each shaping the destiny of their franchise. As the Indian Premier League celebrates having officially completed 18 Golden Years, it stands as the Most Popular Home League in the World—a true Achievement and a proud moment for India. The new season kicks off live in April, with Star India as the official broadcaster; you can watch the matches on StarSports1 or StarSports1 Hindi, or stream online via your mobile on Jio Star. All eyes will be on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who won the IPL 2025 title, to see if they can dominate again in IPL 2026. It’s more than a cricket league; it’s the pinnacle of sporting entertainment.

IPL 2026 Franchise Owners: Meet the Power Behind the Teams

A total of 10 teams will participate in IPL season 19. Below is the detailed list of IPL Teams Owners for 2026.

1) Mumbai Indians

The Mumbai Indians team is Owned by Reliance Industries, with Mukesh Ambani at the head of the company. Nita Ambani actively represents the franchise in all team activities. On the pitch, leadership is entrusted to their captain, Hardik Pandya.

By 2026, the Mumbai Indians ownership has expanded into a massive global network of teams.

2) Sunrisers Hyderabad

The Sunrisers Hyderabad team is Owned by Kalanithi Maran, the Chairman and MD of the Sun Network. Their on-field strategy for the campaign is led by the formidable pace and leadership of their captain, Pat Cummins.

Unlike Mumbai Indians, who have a broader presence in the USA and UAE, the Sun Group (owned by Kalanithi Maran) has focused its 2026 expansion primarily on the UK and South Africa markets.

3) Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

This high-profile team is Owned by a blend of glamour and business acumen. Bollywood’s beloved celebrity, King Shahrukh Khan, holds 55% of the shares. The remaining 45% stake is held by Industrialist Jay Mehta, who is also the husband of actress Juhi Chawla. Steering the squad on the field for the season will be their experienced captain, Ajinkya Rahane.

They are the only group to have won championships in three different countries (India, Trinidad, and UAE).

4) Punjab Kings (PBKS)

The Kings XI Punjab team is Owned by a consortium operating as KPHDream Cricket Private Limited, which includes the vivacious Preity Zinta alongside co-owners Ness Wadia and Mohit Burman. The business group also features investor Karan Paul. On the field, their strategic direction is in the hands of their talented captain, Shreyas Iyer.

5) Delhi Capitals (DC)

The Delhi Capitals team was purchased in a landmark joint venture, now held in equal shares by two industrial powerhouses. The first is the GMR Group, led by Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao, and the second is the JSW Group, part of the Jindal South West empire. Leading their charge on the cricket field is the dependable all-rounder and their appointed captain, Axar Patel.

The Delhi Capitals owners use a 50-50 partnership model. In 2026, the GMR Group famously acquired a majority stake in Hampshire County Cricket Club, making it the first English county to be majority-owned by an IPL entity.

6) Rajasthan Royals (RR)

The franchise is primarily owned by Manoj Badale’s Emerging Media, which holds a controlling 65% stake. Key minority owners include RedBird Capital Partners (15%) and media heir Lachlan Murdoch (13%). This season follows a historic pre-season trade that saw long-time icon Sanju Samson move to CSK. In return, the Royals secured the stellar all-round talents of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. With this new-look squad, the dynamic Riyan Parag steps into the full-time role as captain.

Led by Manoj Badale, the Rajasthan Royals have focused their expansion on high-growth markets like South Africa and the Caribbean. They recently rebranded their UAE interests to align more closely with their core “Royals” identity.

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7) Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

The official owner of this iconic team is Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited. To understand this, we look back: the franchise was firstly purchased by Indian Cement, which is owned by Mr. N. Srinivasan. After several foundational seasons, the team was transferred to a separate, dedicated entity for smoother management. That entity is the Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited we know today. On the field, the legacy continues under the steady bat of their captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Managed by N. Srinivasan, CSK has been more selective with their expansion, only choosing leagues with high Indian diaspora populations like the USA and South Africa.

8) Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

The defending champions are currently owned by United Spirits Limited, a part of the Diageo group. However, the franchise was recently put up for a strategic review, expected to conclude by March 2026. Tech billionaire Sanjay Govil is reportedly the front-runner to acquire the team in a deal estimated at $2 billion (₹20,000 crore). On the field, Rajat Patidar remains captain for the 2026 season, aiming to lead the side to a second consecutive title following their historic 2025 victory.

9) Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

This franchise is owned by the RPSG Group, led by its chairman, billionaire industrialist Sanjiv Goenka, who acquired it in 2021 for a record ₹7,090 crore. For the 2026 season, the retained cornerstone of their leadership, Rishabh Pant, is officially captained. With a major squad revamp underway, the guidance of head coach Justin Langer will be crucial. He is specifically tasked with leading a high-profile bowling attack, featuring stars like Mohammed Shami.

Sanjiv Goenka’s group currently manages two major franchises. They are known for their data-centric approach and have been exploring a potential team in the USA for the 2027 season.

10) Gujarat Titans (GT)

The Gujarat Titans (GT) are officially owned by the Torrent Group, which acquired a majority stake of 67% in early 2025. The original founders, CVC Capital Partners, retain a significant minority stake of 33% in the franchise. This blended ownership oversees a team that continues to be led by its batting maestro, Shubman Gill, as the official captain. His leadership is strongly supported by the tactical mind of head coach Ashish Nehra, a partnership that has already proven its worth.

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Conclusion

Wrapping up this look at the 2026 owners, it’s clear the IPL’s magic is a potent cocktail of cricket and commerce. From Bollywood royalty to seasoned industrialists, each owner’s unique vision directly crafts their team’s identity and ambition. Their decisions in the auction room, balancing big-money bids with smart retentions, lay the entire foundation for the season’s drama. It’s this fascinating blend of passion and boardroom strategy that keeps us, as fans, glued to every match. Ultimately, while the players battle for trophies on the pitch, these are the individuals who build the stage for that glorious contest.

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