"Great news for IPL": Sourav Ganguly reacts to Rajasthan Royals being sold for staggering $1.63 billion

In a massive development ahead of the IPL 2026, Rajasthan Royals have reportedly been sold for an unbelievable $1.63 billion. This is one of the most expensive deals ever for a cricket team.

The US-based businessman Kal Somani, along with investors Walmart and Ford, have brough the franchise. They will take over the Rajasthan Royals after the IPL 2026 season.

Sourav Ganguly reacts as Rajasthan Royals sold for record-breaking $1.63 Billion

Reacting to the news, the former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said that this huge amount shows how big and powerful the IPL has become over the years.

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Sourav Ganguly said at an event where he was named JAKSON brand ambassador, as quoted by Khel Now: “IPL is only going to greater heights. It's great news for IPL.

It's mind-boggling numbers, mind-boggling numbers for a sports franchise and a cricket team that plays three months a year. So, it's mind-boggling numbers, but great news for Indian cricket and the way forward.”

Its phenomenal: Sourav Ganguly on IPL's growth

The former KKR captain recalled how the IPL started and now has reached a level nobody imagined. He believes that the entry of American investors proves how strongly IPL is expanding globally.

Sourav Ganguly added, “When it started in 2007, as I said, I played the first ball of the IPL in 2008, RCB versus KKR. To see IPL grow to this height is phenomenal, and it also goes to show the game expanding."

WATCH: Sourav Ganguly’s reaction to the sale of the Rajasthan Royals franchise after it was sold in a record deal#RajasthanRoyals #RR2026 #ipl2026 #KalSomani #MyKhel pic.twitter.com/GXSOkEB0RW

— myKhel.com (@mykhelcom) March 24, 2026

"And it also goes to show the gaming spending, and some of the buyers are from America. And the game going to that part of the world with interest, especially Indian cricket, is fantastic.”

Ganguly compares IPL’s broadcast power to EPL, NBA

He also pointed out that the IPL’s broadcasting value now stands alongside some of the world’s biggest sports events, including football. Highlighting the broadcasting value of the tournament, he compared the atmosphere and popularity of the IPL to major football competitions.

Ganguly further noted, “I think it’s already as big as the NBA. The broadcast rights are as big as anywhere in the world, even with football. EPL goes on for six months and IPL is only a two-and-a-half-month tournament. So, to get this much of attention is phenomenal.”

Read Also: IPL 2026 ball change rule explained

Sourav Ganguly reacts to MS Dhoni's retirement rumour and foreign stars pull outs

At the same event, Ganguly said that he will speak to MS Dhoni personally about his retirement and will not share anything on this matter with the media. On the other hand, several foreign stars are missing the start of the season.

Cricket Australia has refused NOCs for their top pacers, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc, because of injury concerns and workload management. On the other hand, New Zealand speedster Lockie Ferguson has taken time off and will skip Punjab Kings’ first seven matches to be with his family.

Ganguly said that such things hurt franchises badly, as team plans get completely disturbed. But he also believes this situation creates fresh opportunities for young players. He pointed out that even his own Test debut happened when Sanjay Manjrekar was injured, saying unexpected chances can change careers.