PUBG and BGMI Maker Krafton Reportedly in Talks to Buy Stake in Rajasthan Royals
- Sagar Mankar
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
PUBG and BGMI developer Krafton is reportedly exploring a stake in IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals.
The South Korean publisher, best known for creating global hits like PUBG and its India‑specific counterpart BGMI, has already established deep roots in the Indian market. This potential move into cricket ownership would mark a significant expansion of its brand, blending esports, traditional sports, and entertainment in a way that feels tailor‑made for India’s youth audience.
Krafton’s Investment Footprint in India
This isn’t Krafton’s first big bet on India. Since 2021, the company has invested over $200 million across 17 Indian firms and initiatives, accounting for nearly 9% of its global portfolio. About 70% of these investments target gaming and esports, while the rest diversify into fintech, audio content, and hyperlocal apps.
Some notable investments include:
Nautilus Mobile (Pune): Acquired a 75% stake in 2025 for INR 118 Cr (~$14M). Known for the Real Cricket series.
Nodwin Gaming: Invested $22.4M in 2021, supporting BGMI tournaments and esports events.
Krafton India Gaming Incubator (KIGI): Launched in 2023, backing indie studios like ReDimension Games and Shura Games. Expanded in 2025 to support six studios in Cohort 2.
Lumikai Fund: Committed to a $50M fund for Indian gaming and interactive media startups.
On the non‑gaming side, Krafton has backed Cashfree Payments, Kuku FM, Bobble AI, and hyperlocal app Shuru, showing its intent to build a digital ecosystem around gaming.
According to CNBC TV, Krafton is now exploring a "minority stake" in the IPL team, with talks still in the "early stages" as the owners weigh their options, including a possible majority stake sale.
Why Rajasthan Royals?
The Royals are currently valued at over $1 billion, making them one of the IPL’s elite franchises alongside Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
According to reports, the team is undergoing a major ownership restructuring, with majority stakes up for grabs. Current stakeholders include Emerging Media (controlled by Manoj Badale with 65%), RedBird Capital, and Lachlan Murdoch.
Krafton has already announced plans to invest another $200M (INR 1,800 Cr) in India over the next 3–4 years, focusing on gaming studios, esports, and digital content. A stake in Rajasthan Royals would not only diversify its portfolio but also cement its role as a cultural player in India beyond gaming.