Who is Kal Somani? US-based entrepreneur behind Rajasthan Royals’ new ownership

U.S.-based Kal Somani-led consortium is buying IPL's inaugural edition winners Rajasthan Royals. The Somani-led consortium includes Rob Walton from the Walmart family and Hamp family (Ford motor company). The sale of Rajasthan Royals is subject to approval from the BCCI and will come into effect after the 2026 edition. British-Indian Manoj Badale held a 65 per cent stake in the franchise, which was originally sold for USD 67 million in 2008 to his company Emerging Media.

Who is Kal Somani?

Kal Somani is an Arizona-based tech entrepreneur who has founded IntraEdge (technology services and solutions), Truyo.Ai (data privacy rights and AI governance) and Academian (edtech services).


Somani is a co-owner of the Motor City Golf Club, a Detroit-based golf team set to join Tomorrow's Golf League (TGL) in 2027, which has been co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in partnership with the PGA Tour. Somani is also said to be an early investor in the TGL.


Somani, a Scottsdale-based entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in artificial intelligence, ed-tech, and data privacy, has built a strong reputation in the technology sector. As the founder of IntraEdge and Truyo, he has been a notable voice in AI governance.


His entry into sports ownership is supported by an expanding portfolio that includes co-ownership of the Motor City Golf Club and investments in emerging ventures such as the TGL Golf League and TMRW Sports.

Rajasthan Royals New Owners

The 81-year-old Rob Walton, who is the eldest son of Walmart founder Sam Walton, had served as the company's chairman from 1999 to 2015. In 2022, he led an ownership group consisting of his daughter Carrie Waltor Penner and her husband Greg Penner which brought the National Football League (NFL) team Denver Broncos for a record price of USD 4.65 billion. Walton also owns a 10 per cent stake in Major League Baseball team Arizona Diamonbacks.


The Hamp family is led by Sheila Ford Hamp, who is the principal owner and chairperson of the NFL side Detroit Lions. She is related to both the Ford (Ford Motor Company) and the Firestone families (Firestone Tire and Rubber Company).