Kolkata Knight Riders are reportedly considering selling a minority stake as they gear up for the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) season. This move by the three-time champions comes on the heels of interest from the current owners of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), who are also looking to sell stakes in their franchises ahead of the 19th edition of this lucrative league. However, KKR's approach to selling is quite different from what RCB's owners, Diageo, have in mind. KKR is considering selling a small ownership stake Currently, KKR is owned by Knight Riders Sports Private Limited, a joint venture established in 2008 that includes Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment along with Jay Mehta and Juhi Chawla’s Mehta Group. Shah Rukh Khan holds a 55% stake in the team, while the Mehta Group owns the remaining 45%. According to Money Control, the Mehta Group is looking to sell a minority stake to unlock some value. They've brought in Nomura, an investment bank, to act as their sell-side advisor. The report suggests that the proposed deal could be launched in early 2026. Also Read | When Will India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Be Announced? Here's the Date Mumbai Indians are the highest-valued franchise in the IPL According to the Brand Finance Annual Report, Mumbai Indians (MI) leads the pack as the most valuable franchise, followed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The team, owned by Mukesh Ambani, is valued at a whopping $108 million. On the other end of the spectrum, the least valuable team is the one-time champions, Rajasthan Royals (RR), valued at $53 million. To wrap things up, the Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to sell a minority stake highlights how IPL teams are actively seeking to boost their business value as they look ahead to future seasons. With solid ownership, a strong global brand, and a history of on-field success, KKR is definitely an appealing choice for investors. This move is part of a larger trend, as other franchises are also considering similar strategies to raise funds and grow their operations. As franchise values keep climbing, the IPL is proving to be much more than just a cricket league; it’s evolving into a robust and lucrative sports business platform. This transformation could significantly influence the league’s future.