IPL 2022: NBA, NFL stars invest in Rajasthan Royals

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL) have invested in the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. The Royals announced on Sunday (May 1)  that Chris Paul of the NBA team Phoenix Suns and NFL stars Larry Fitzgerald and Kelvin Beachum have invested in the franchise, highlighting the IPL’s expanding worldwide appeal.

The prestigious league of India, which includes Bollywood stars and entrepreneurs as team owners, has expanded to ten teams this season, with Gujarat and Ahmedabad each spending a combined $1.7 billion to join the cash-rich event.

The details about the investment by the three American stars have not been shared by the franchise, but as per a report by Reuters, it is said that they will be the minority investors. “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.

“I am excited to have become one of the first US athletes to see the value and scope for growth in the IPL. With a variety of components, including stadium experience and fan engagement still left to fulfil their course, I see myself contributing world-class experience through this strategic investment,” NBA star Chris Paul was quoted by Khaleej Times.

Rajasthan Royals are having a good IPL 2022

Last year, the Rajasthan-based franchise had attained a major stake in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) team Barbados Tridents. Meanwhile, the team has displayed great performance thus far as they look to maintain their pace in the game and make their way into leading the playoffs race.

In the current season of the IPL, RR has their heads high in the game as they have registered six wins in the nine games played thus far. Their opening batters have been getting the important runs for the team, and the spinners have done a tremendous job as well as both the highest-wicket taker of the tournament, Yuzvendra Chahal, and the highest run-scorer of the tournament, Jos Buttler are from the Royals.