Tag: JSW Group

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

Net Worth	Approximately $92.8 Billion (INR 8,087 lakh crore)
Owners	Mukesh Ambani (Reliance Industries), Nita Ambani

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.

Net Worth	Approximately $10 Million
Owners	N. Srinivasan (India Cements), Dhoni (Former Captain, Minor Stake)

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

Net Worth	Approximately $116.53 Billion
Owners	Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, Jay Mehta (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)

Net Worth	United Spirits – Approximately $117 Billion
Owners	Diageo (United Spirits), Vijay Mallya (Former Owner)

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.

Delhi Capitals (DC) – GMR Group & JSW Group

Net Worth	GMR Group – $5 Billion, JSW Group – $13 Billion
Owners	GMR Group and 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

Net Worth	Mohit Burman – $10.4 Billion, Ness Wadia – $6.7 Billion, Preity Zinta – $15 Million
Owners	Preity Zinta, Ness Wadia (Bombay Dyeing), Mohit Burman (Dabur), Karan Paul (Apeejay Surrendra Group)

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)

Net Worth	Approximately $160 million
Owners	Manoj Badale (Emerging Media), Shane Warne (Late), Lachlan Murdoch (Fox)

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

Net Worth	Approximately $2.5 Billion
Owners	Kalanithi Maran (Sun Group)

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.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – RPSG Group

Net Worth	Approximately $4.9 Billion
Owners	Sanjiv Goenka (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

Net Worth	Approximately $207.98 billion
Owners	CVC Capital (Private Equity Firm)

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.

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.

March 29, 2025

Parth Jindal: The Visionary Behind JSW Group’s New Age Evolution

Parth Jindal, the third-generation entrepreneur of the JSW Group, has strategically redefined the conglomerate’s future by diversifying its ventures and changing its brand perception. Jindal has led the group to grow from a business-to-business (B2B) focus to a consumer-facing (B2C) entity, leading key divisions such as JSW Cement, JSW Paints, and JSW Sports. Bold decisions and new strategies have characterized his journey to build strong brands from commodities and add new dimensions to the group’s identity.

Parth Jindal’s story is nothing short of inspiring, as he is a key player in changing the face of India’s JSW Group. Educated at prestigious institutions such as Brown University and Harvard Business School, Parth quickly demonstrated his potential by revamping underperforming units (JSW Cement), launching JSW Paints, and JSW Sports.

JSW’s business acumen and innovative strategies were led by Parth, who expanded the company’s reach beyond traditional steel and cement sectors to green energy, electric vehicles, and sports franchises. JSW is not just an industrial brand; it is also a name for sports and community impact, with his founding of Bengaluru Football Club and his co-ownership of Delhi Capitals.

Jindal’s foray into sports was also groundbreaking in his attempt to brand JSW. Jindal has given JSW a unique sports-oriented identity by founding the Sports Excellence Programme, launching the Bengaluru Football Club, and investing in teams across cricket, kabaddi, and football leagues. His vision includes IPOs for JSW Paints and JSW Sports, which indicates his aspiration to make JSW a multi-sector powerhouse.

In this StartupTalky story, we will discuss Parth Jindal’s early life, education, career milestones, personal life, notable investments, and awards he has received for his contributions. This story takes you through the challenges and achievements of Parth Jindal’s visionary path and the legacy he continues to create in JSW Group and beyond.

Parth Jindal: Biography

Name	Parth Jindal
Born	May 19, 1990
Nationality	Indian
Education	BA in Economics and Political Science Masters in Business Administration
Alma Mater	Cathedral and John Connon School from Mumbai Sevenoaks School in England Brown University, United States Harvard Business School, Massachusetts
Profession	Managing Director, JSW Cement CEO, Bengaluru FC
Net Worth	$7.68 billion
Spouse	Anushree Jasani
Children	Ayana Jindal (Daughter)
Parents	Sajjan Jindal (Father) Sangita Jindal (Mother)
Siblings	Tarini Jindal Handa (Sister) Tanvi Jindal Shete (Sister)

Parth Jindal: Early Life
Parth Jindal: Education and Career
Parth Jindal: Personal Life
Parth Jindal: JSW Group
Parth Jindal: Investments
Parth Jindal: Controversies
Parth Jindal: Awards and Recognition

Parth Jindal: Early Life

Parth Jindal was born on May 19, 1990, into the renowned Jindal family, which is known for their significant influence on Indian business dynasties, known for their ventures in steel, cement, and infrastructure.

Parth was raised alongside his siblings in Mumbai and is the youngest of three children of Sajjan Jindal and Sangita Jindal. His childhood was shaped by values and culture, which were passed on by his parents with a strong emphasis on discipline, family togetherness, and an active lifestyle.

Parth Jindal: Education and Career

After attending Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai, he went on to study at the prestigious Sevenoaks School in England, followed by a BA in economics and political science from Brown University in 2012. The same year, Parth joined the JSW Group, eager to gain hands-on experience, first as an economic analyst. He then completed a six-month placement at JFE Steel in Japan to increase his knowledge of the steel industry. He also spent a brief time working at Falcon Edge Capital, a hedge fund in New York City, where he gained a sophisticated understanding of international finance.

Parth has been a transformative force at JSW. He was instrumental in reviving underperforming units like JSW Cement and JSW Steel USA early on, showing his strategic thinking and innovation acumen. He became a leader when he led the development of a 2.3 million-ton auto-grade steel plant in Vijaynagar, Bellary, which became the first of its kind in India to produce high-quality auto steel. In 2014, Parth further sharpened his business acumen with an MBA at Harvard University, which equipped him with the necessary tools to tackle even bigger projects back home.

On his return, Parth took on multiple roles in the JSW Group. He was managing director of JSW Cement in June 2014 and successfully positioned the brand as a leading player in a competitive market. Beyond traditional industries, his vision extends to JSW Sports, which manages and sponsors teams in major sports leagues like the Indian Super League’s Bengaluru FC, the IPL’s Delhi Capitals, and the Pro Kabaddi League’s Haryana Steelers. In 2018, he launched the Inspire Institute of Sport, a 42-acre facility that aimed to create world-class Indian athletes.

Parth Jindal: Personal Life

Parth Jindal, the co-owner of Delhi Capitals and the leader of JSW Group, balances a fulfilling personal and professional life. He currently resides in Mumbai with his family, which includes his wife, Anushree Jasani. Parth Jindal and Anushree Jasani were a couple for 7 years before they got engaged in the year 2015, and they tied the knot in a grand Viennese celebration in 2016. The wedding of the leader of the JSW group Parth Jindal and his wife Anushree Jasani was a lavish three-day event that was held at historical venues like the Hofburg Palace and Belvedere Gardens.

Together, Parth Jindal and Anushree Jasani are parents to a daughter named Ayana, who was born in the year 2019.

Parth Jindal: JSW Group

Parth Jindal, the head of JSW Group, is a major player in India’s industrial landscape and divides his operations across fields such as steel, energy, infrastructure, and cement. Currently led by Parth under his father’s vision, JSW has become a name to reckon with only for its innovative approaches towards manufacturing and sustainability. JSW Steel has amassed a reputation as being one of India’s top steel manufacturers, famous for its commitment to high quality and environmentally friendly steel production methods.

Parth Jindal has brought the energy of youth to the company and has been preaching digital transformation and sustainability. JSW Group has also expanded its focus on green energy and is now moving towards producing carbon-neutral steel under his leadership, which is a first in the sector. Notably, Parth has also made investments in renewable energy sources as a part of his forward-thinking strategy aimed at reducing the environmental impact.

Some significant milestones for JSW were becoming one of India’s top steel producers and impressive cement and infrastructure growth, especially through JSW Cement and JSW Infrastructure. However, JSW has done well beyond its industrial successes, with the JSW Sports division owning stakes in franchises like the Delhi Capitals IPL cricket team and Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League. This diverse portfolio demonstrates the company’s dedication to not only industrial excellence but also social impact and community engagement, as envisioned by Parth Jindal for a multi-dimensional business approach.

Parth Jindal: Investments

A prominent business leader, Parth Jindal, who heads JSW Sports and the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), has recently expanded his portfolio by participating in a new funding round in PadelPark India. The investment is in line with Jindal’s commitment to supporting emerging sports in India and PadelPark India as the first mover in the ecosystem for Padel, a rapidly growing racquet sport with some elements of tennis and squash.

JSW Sports and IIS have already made a great contribution to India’s athletic landscape through Jindal’s involvement, creating talent across sports and providing world-class training facilities. Recently, he has ventured into the niche sports space by investing in PadelPark India and is of the opinion that niche sports should be equally promoted and accorded the same recognition, infrastructure, and professional support as mainstream sports.

Jindal’s larger ambition of increasing sports participation in the country fits well with PadelPark India’s mission of popularising Padel in the country. This funding will help PadelPark to further strengthen its infrastructure, increase its network of courts, and offer further competitive opportunities to athletes across India. With this investment, Parth Jindal not only fuels a promising new sport but also helps build the broader sports culture in India and aids in fitness and participation at all levels.

Parth Jindal: Controversies

Parth Jindal, co-owner of Delhi Capitals (DC), came under fire on social media after a bizarre incident during an IPL 2024 match between DC and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Sanju Samson, who was captaining RR, was dismissed during the game after a contentious catch. Samson was frustrated by the third umpire’s taking nearly three minutes to review the decision, and the atmosphere was tense.

Jindal’s animated gestures and some who said it was a send-off for Samson were widely criticized on social media, with many fans and commentators calling out his behavior as unsportsmanlike.

Parth Jindal: Awards and Recognition

Parth Jindal has been awarded with the following awards:

GQ’s 50 Most Influential Indians in 2018
Jashn E Youngistan 2018
2019 Economic Times Awards 40 Under Forty
2019 Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar

FAQs

Who is Parth Jindal?

Parth Jindal born on May 19, 1990, is the son of Sajjan Jindal and MD of JSW Cement & CEO of Bengaluru FC.

Who is the owner of JSW?

Sajjan Jindal is the owner of the JSW group.

Who is Parth Jindal wife?

Anushree Jasani is the wife of Parth Jindal.

What is Parth Jindal education?

Parth Jindal completed his MBA at Harvard Business School in 2016 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from Brown University in 2012.

November 10, 2024