Detroit Lions Owner Sheila Hamp Expands Sports Portfolio with IPL Cricket Team
Detroit Lions principal owner Sheila Hamp is diversifying her investments in professional sports, becoming a co-owner of the Rajasthan Royals, a franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The acquisition, finalized on March 24, 2026, values the Royals at $1.63 billion, marking the first IPL team to surpass the billion-dollar valuation mark.
Consortium Ownership
Hamp joins a consortium led by US-based tech entrepreneur Kal Somani in the ownership of the Rajasthan Royals. Denver Broncos owner Rob Walton, son of Walmart founder Sam Walton, is also part of the group. The trio also share ownership in the Motor City Golf Club, a golf franchise set to launch in 2027.
Rajasthan Royals Background
Founded in 2008, the Rajasthan Royals won the inaugural IPL title. Although the team finished ninth out of ten teams in the most recent IPL season, they had consistently performed well in prior years, including a runner-up finish in 2022.
Hamp’s Expanding Sports Investments
Sheila Hamp took over as principal owner and chair of the Detroit Lions in 2020, succeeding her mother, Martha Ford. Beyond the Lions and the Rajasthan Royals, Hamp is involved in other sports ventures. She is part of the ownership group of a WNBA expansion franchise in Detroit, alongside investors including Jared Goff, rapper Eminem, Grant Hill, and Chris Webber. She also holds a stake in the Motor City Golf Club, which will compete in the TMRW Golf League (TGL) starting in 2027.
Additional Roles
Outside of her sports investments, Sheila Hamp serves as Trustee Emeritus of The Henry Ford Museum, chairs the board of the Detroit Lions Foundation, and is a board member of the Purple Rose Theater Company.