Kolkata Knight Riders Owner – Shah Rukh Khan Net Worth (2026)

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are more than just a cricket team; they are a glamorous blend of Bollywood charisma and sporting grit. While the team lifted their third IPL trophy in 2024, the 2025 season was a harsh reality check, finishing 8th in the table. The Kolkata Knight Riders Owner group, led by Shah Rukh Khan, has responded with a massive overhaul for the upcoming 2026 season.

In late 2025, major reports emerged that Shah Rukh Khan is in the process of increasing his stake to nearly 90 %, potentially buying out significant shares from his long time partner, Jay Mehta. With a brand value of approximately $74 Million and a new captain in Ajinkya Rahane for the 2026 cycle, KKR is ready for a new dawn.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Ownership:

FeatureDetails
Legal EntityKnight Riders Sports Private Limited
Primary OwnersRed Chillies Entertainment (55%), Mehta Group (45%)
Key FaceShah Rukh Khan
Home GroundEden Gardens, Kolkata
IPL Titles3 (2012, 2014, 2024)
Captain (2026)Ajinkya Rahane
Brand Value (2025)$74 Million

Who Owns Kolkata Knight Riders?

The franchise is owned by Knight Riders Sports Private Limited.

As of December 2025, the ownership is split between two entities:

  1. Red Chillies Entertainment: This production house, owned by Shah Rukh Khan and his wife Gauri Khan, holds a 55 % majority stake.
  2. The Mehta Group: This business conglomerate, led by Jay Mehta and his wife (and Bollywood actress) Juhi Chawla, holds the remaining 45 %.

However, the boardroom is shifting. Recent reports from December 2025 suggest that Shah Rukh Khan is set to acquire a larger portion of the Mehta Group’s shares. If completed, this move would consolidate nearly 90 % of the ownership under Red Chillies, making SRK the absolute boss of the franchise in every sense.

What is the Career Background Of Shah Rukh Khan And Juhi Chawla?

Shah Rukh Khan, often called “King Khan,” is arguably the biggest movie star on the planet. With a career spanning over three decades and more than 90 films, he is a cultural icon. His journey from a middle class boy in Delhi to the “Badshah of Bollywood” mirrors the rise of his cricket team full of passion and drama.

Juhi Chawla was one of the leading actresses of the 1990s and a close friend of SRK. Her husband, Jay Mehta, brings the hard business acumen to the table. Jay Mehta is the owner of the Mehta Group, a multinational conglomerate with interests in cement, sugar, and engineering spread across Africa, India, Canada, and the USA.

While SRK handles the branding and marketing face of the team, the Mehta Group has historically managed the backend financial structuring, creating a perfect balance between glamour and commerce.

Red Chillies Entertainment And The KKR Business Model?

Red Chillies Entertainment is the engine behind the KKR brand. Founded by Shah Rukh Khan in 2002, it is primarily a film production and VFX studio.

The KKR business model is unique because it was the first IPL team to turn a profit. They achieved this by:

  • Merchandising: Leveraging the “Knight Riders” brand to sell everything from jerseys to school bags.
  • Sponsorships: Brands line up to be associated with SRK. The team consistently has the highest number of sponsors on its jersey.
  • Diversification: Unlike other teams that rely solely on the IPL, Red Chillies expanded the “Knight Riders” brand globally (TKR, LAKR, ADKR), ensuring revenue streams throughout the year, not just during the two months of IPL.

Mannat And The Lifestyle Of Shah Rukh Khan?

The Kolkata Knight Riders Owner lives in one of the most iconic houses in India: Mannat.

Location

Mannat is located at Land’s End, Bandra (West), Mumbai. It is a tourist landmark where thousands gather every day just to take a selfie with the gate.

House Details

  • Value: Estimated at over ₹200 Crores.
  • Structure: A 6 storey sea facing bungalow with a blend of vintage and modern architecture.
  • Amenities: It houses a private library, a gym, a boxing ring, and a private auditorium where the KKR team often watches movie screenings.

This house is the “War Room” for KKR. Post auction meetings and strategy sessions with the CEO often take place in the library of Mannat.

What is the Net Worth Of Shah Rukh Khan And Jay Mehta?

The combined wealth of the KKR ownership group is staggering.

Wealth Estimates (December 2025):

OwnerEstimated Net WorthSource of Wealth
Shah Rukh Khan$1.4 Billion (~₹12,490 Crores)Movies, VFX, IPL, Brand Endorsements
Jay Mehta~$650 Million (~₹5,400 Crores)Mehta Group (Cement, Sugar, Engineering)
Juhi Chawla~$46 MillionFilms, IPL Stake

Shah Rukh Khan’s net worth saw a jump in 2025 due to the valuation growth of Red Chillies VFX and his expanding sports portfolio. This financial muscle allows KKR to take risks at the auction, such as their record breaking bid for Cameron Green in the 2026 auction.

Source

What’s the Role Of Venky Mysore In KKR?

While SRK is the owner, the man running the show is Venky Mysore.

Venky Mysore is the CEO of both Red Chillies Entertainment and the Knight Riders Group. A former insurance executive, he brought corporate discipline to the chaotic world of cricket. He is famous for his “Moneyball” approach using data and stats to pick players rather than relying on big names.

He was the architect behind the “Multi Franchise” strategy, making Knight Riders the first global cricket brand. Despite the poor 2025 season, the owners have retained faith in his long term vision.

How KKR Expanded Into A Global T20 Franchise?

The vision of the Kolkata Knight Riders Owner was never limited to Kolkata. They want to be the “Manchester United of Cricket.”

Team NameLeagueLocationKey Details
Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR)Caribbean Premier League (CPL)Trinidad & TobagoMost successful team in CPL history.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR)International League T20 (ILT20)UAERepresents Abu Dhabi in the Emirates league.
Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR)Major League Cricket (MLC)USAFlagship franchise tapping into the American market.

This global footprint allows them to scout talent worldwide. Players like Sunil Narine and Andre Russell often play for multiple Knight Riders teams, creating a loyal “club culture” that is rare in franchise cricket.

What is the Branding Strategy Of Shah Rukh Khan For KKR?

Shah Rukh Khan used a masterclass in branding for KKR.

  • Color Theory: He changed the jersey from Black/Gold to Purple/Gold. Purple stands for royalty and uniqueness, making the merchandise stand out in a sea of blue and red jerseys.
  • Anthem: “Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo” (We will do, we will fight, we will win) is the most recognized anthem in the league.
  • Emotional Connection: SRK apologized publicly when the team lost and danced when they won. This vulnerability made the fans feel like he was one of them, not just a distant businessman.

Who is the Current Captain Of Kolkata Knight Riders?

The 2026 cycle brings massive changes. After a disappointing 2025, the management released Shreyas Iyer.

The New Era (IPL 2026 Squad):

  • Captain: Ajinkya Rahane. The veteran was handed the leadership role to bring stability to the batting order.
  • Power Coach: Andre Russell. In an emotional announcement, the legendary all rounder retired from IPL duties to join the support staff as a “Power Hitting Coach.”

Key Squad Members (Post 2026 Auction):

RolePlayer NameStatus / Price
Captain / AnchorAjinkya RahaneRetained / Leadership Role
All Rounder (Marquee)Cameron GreenBought (₹25.20 Cr)
Pacer (Overseas)Matheesha PathiranaBought (₹18.00 Cr)
FinisherRinku SinghRetained (Top Retention)
Mystery SpinnerVarun ChakravarthyRetained
Legend / SpinnerSunil NarineRetained

What is the Financial Growth And Brand Valuation Of KKR?

2025 was a tough financial year for the IPL ecosystem. According to Brand Finance, the overall league valuation dipped.

KKR saw a correction in their brand value, dropping to approximately $74 Million. This placed them 4th in the league rankings.

  • The 8th place finish in IPL 2025 hurt merchandise sales and viewer engagement.
  • Despite the drop, KKR remains one of the most profitable franchises due to their low operational costs and high sponsorship revenue.

What Makes The KKR Fanbase Unique In IPL?

The KKR fanbase is arguably the most passionate. Eden Gardens, with its 66,000 capacity, is often a sea of purple.

What makes them unique is their resilience. Unlike MI or CSK fans who are used to constant winning, KKR fans have stuck with the team through distinct lows (like the 2009 and 2025 seasons). The influence of SRK brings in a demographic that goes beyond just cricket lovers it includes Bollywood fans, creating a diverse and vocal support base.

Future Projects And Investments Of Knight Riders Group?

The future is American.

With the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR), the group is heavily investing in the US cricket market. They are planning to build a world class stadium in the Greater Los Angeles area.

Domestically, the focus is on “Stadium Experience.” Red Chillies is working with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to upgrade the hospitality boxes at Eden Gardens to offer a luxury viewing experience that matches global standards.

Conclusion:

The Kolkata Knight Riders Owner, Shah Rukh Khan, has built an empire that transcends the boundaries of a cricket field. From the glitz of Mannat to the grit of Eden Gardens, the journey has been cinematic. While 2025 was a stumbling block, the aggressive acquisition of players like Cameron Green and the strategic shift in ownership stakes prove that the “Badshah” is not done yet. With a new captain and a renewed vision, KKR is all set to fight again. Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo!

FAQs:

Who is the owner of KKR in 2025?

The team is owned by Knight Riders Sports Private Limited. The majority stake (55%) is held by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment, while the remaining 45% is held by the Mehta Group (Jay Mehta and Juhi Chawla). Reports suggest SRK may increase his stake to 90% soon.

Who is the captain of KKR for IPL 2026?

Ajinkya Rahane has been named the captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders for the IPL 2026 season. He replaces Shreyas Iyer, who was released by the franchise.

Is Andre Russell playing for KKR in 2026?

No, Andre Russell will not play. He has retired from his playing role in the IPL and has transitioned into the coaching staff as the team’s “Power Coach” for the 2026 season.

What is the price of the most expensive KKR player in 2026?

KKR bought Australian all rounder Cameron Green for a massive ₹25.20 Crores in the 2026 auction, making him the most expensive player in their history.

What is the net worth of Shah Rukh Khan in 2025?

Shah Rukh Khan has an estimated net worth of $1.4 Billion (approx ₹12,490 Crores). He is currently the richest actor in India and one of the wealthiest in the world.