Both NFL and NBA are eyeing Global expansion with their future matches and there are many instance where both the leagues' star player have transcended borders making an influence in the country where sport is hardly followed.
In an exciting crossover between global sports, NFL and NBA stars have made significant investments in the Rajasthan Royals, one of the top franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Valued at $12 billion, the IPL has become a powerhouse in the world of cricket, and the Royals are now set to expand their influence with new backing. Chris Paul, Larry Fitzgerald, and Kelvin Beachum, all prominent U.S. athletes, have invested $81 million in the franchise, marking a major milestone in the growing global appeal of the IPL.
This move highlights the increasing synergy between American sports and cricket, as both worlds continue to converge on the international stage. The deal happened way back in 2021.In a significant development, NBA star Chris Paul, along with American football players Larry Fitzgerald and Kelvin Beachum, have joined as minority investors in the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals.
NFL international expansion
Munich and Frankfurt were chosen as the host cities for NFL International Series as the league continues to expand globally. Other than the two host cities Berlin has joined this NFL international Series expansion program. Talking about the Last Game held in Germany, The Carolina Panthers emerged victorius beating New York Giants at Allianz Arena in November. Berlin will host it's first NFL regular season game in 2025.The much anticipated clash is scheduled to plat at the Olympiastadion also known as home of Berlin
The Rise of IPL and Its Global Appeal
The Rajasthan Royals, who won the inaugural IPL edition in 2008 under the leadership of the late Australian legend Shane Warne have welcomed three prominent U.S. athletes as investors. However, the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Rajasthan Royals' Vision for Global Growth
Rajasthan's lead owner, Manoj Badale, expressed his enthusiasm over the partnership, saying, “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.” The IPL has become the most popular franchise-based cricket league, known for its fast-paced Twenty20 format, and has inspired similar tournaments around the world.
Rajasthan Royals' Growing Global Presence
Rajasthan Royals’ global reach has been expanding in recent years. In 2023, the franchise became the third IPL team, after Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings, to acquire a majority stake in a Caribbean Premier League team. They now own the Barbados Tridents, marking a significant move towards expanding their brand beyond Indian cricket.
RR's full squad for IPL 2025:
Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Sandeep Sharma, Jofra Archer (Rs. 12.50 crore), Maheesh Theekshana (Rs. 4.4 crore), Wanindu Hasaranga (Rs. 5.25 crore), Akash Madhwal (Rs. 1.20 crore), Kumar Kartikeya (Rs. 30 lakh), Nitish Rana (Rs. 4.20 crore), Tushar Deshpande (Rs. 6.50 crore), Shubham Dubey (Rs. 80 lakh), Yudhvir Singh (Rs. 35 lakh), Fazalhaq Farooqi (Rs. 2 crore), Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rs. 1.10 crore), Kwena Maphaka (Rs. 1.50 crore), Kunal Rathore (Rs. 30 lakh), Ashok Sharma (Rs. 30 lakh).
