Truly global brand: NBA, NFL stars invest in Rajasthan Royals IPL franchise
India Today
Rajasthan Royals' investment comes months after IPL 2022 grew into a 10-team league with Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants joining the bandwagon.
The Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, May 1 announced that Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul and NFL duo Larry Fitzgerald and Kelvin Beachum had invested in the franchise. The investment from some of the biggest American sports stars underlines the IPL's growing global appeal.
Rajasthan Royals' investment comes months after IPL 2022 grew into a 10-team league with Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants joining the bandwagon. The three Americans will be minority investors in 2008 champions Rajasthan, the franchise said in a statement without sharing details of their investment.
"We are extremely pleased to have Chris, Larry, and Kelvin join us as investors who have seen the vision of the Royals as a truly global brand," said Rajasthan's lead owner Manoj Badale.
Cricket is expected to grow widely in the USA, which will be co-hosting the T20 World Cup in 2024.
"I am excited to have become one of the first US athletes to see the value and scope for growth in the IPL," said NBA star Paul, 36.
"With a variety of components, including stadium experience and fan engagement still left to fulfill their course, I see myself contributing world-class experience through this strategic investment."
The two-time Olympic gold medallist also has a stake in the minor league baseball team, Winston-Salem Dash.
