Shane Warne’s children are poised to benefit from a multimillion-dollar windfall after the Rajasthan Royals were sold in a deal valuing the Indian Premier League franchise at more than $2.3 billion.
The late cricket legend held a stake in the team, with proceeds from the sale expected to flow through his estate – the majority of which is split evenly between his three children: Brooke, Jackson and Summer.
Each of the siblings inherited roughly 31 per cent of Warne’s estate following his death in 2022, with earlier reports valuing the estate at about $20.7 million.
Smaller portions were allocated to other family members, as reported by Herald Sun, including two per cent to his brother Jason and 2.5 per cent each to his niece Tyla and nephew Sebastian.
However, Warne’s son Jackson has since told the masthead that any suggestion he and his siblings will benefit from a windfall is “fake news”.
Warne’s investment in the Rajasthan Royals dates back to 2008, when he came out of retirement to captain and coach the team in the inaugural Indian Premier League season.
Alongside his playing role, Warne accumulated a small ownership stake, believed to total around three per cent – which has surged dramatically in value as the IPL grew into one of the richest sporting leagues in the world.
But it has been reported that ties were cut upon Warne’s death in 2022.
As of July 2021, the Royals were valued at about $340 million, placing Warne’s share at roughly $10 million at the time.
However, the franchise’s value has since skyrocketed, with a deal struck this week to sell the team for about $2.3 billion in Australian dollars.
That jump has transformed Warne’s once modest holding into a stake now worth tens of millions, depending on ownership changes over time.
The franchise has been acquired by a consortium led by US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani, alongside investors linked to the Walmart and Ford families, in a deal which was months in the making.
Warne’s influence on the Royals extended beyond investment.
He led the underdog side to a shock title in the IPL’s first season, cementing both the team’s legacy and his own enduring impact on the competition.
While Warne built wealth through commentary, endorsements and media work, his early bet on the IPL stands out as one of his most successful financial moves.
The sale remains subject to approval from cricket authorities in India, with final distributions expected once the deal is completed.
The development comes amid ongoing public debate around inheritance and wealth transfer, placing fresh attention on the scale of estates being passed down.