Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are one of the most popular franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Backed by a strong ownership group and a legacy of success, the franchise has expanded its presence across the globe. The Knight Riders brand, under Red Chillies Entertainment and its partners, now owns multiple teams across different T20 leagues worldwide. Let’s take a look at How Many Teams Do Kolkata Knight Riders Own?

Red Chillies Entertainment’s Role

Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment holds a majority stake in the KKR franchise. The production company, known for blockbuster movies, has played a key role in branding and global expansion. With a vision to establish a global T20 cricket brand, Red Chillies Entertainment has expanded the Knight Riders empire beyond India.

Global Expansion: KKR-Owned Teams Worldwide

KKR has extended its reach far beyond the IPL, acquiring stakes in multiple T20 leagues across the world. Their franchises include:

1. Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL) – India

The flagship franchise of the Knight Riders group, KKR competes in the Indian Premier League and plays its home matches at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Since its inception, KKR has been one of the most followed teams in the IPL.

2. Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL) – West Indies

In 2015, KKR expanded into the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) by acquiring the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, rebranding them as Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR). TKR has since become the most successful CPL franchise, winning multiple titles (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020).

3. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ILT20) – UAE

With the launch of the International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE, the Knight Riders Group introduced Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) as one of the six teams in the tournament. The team aims to dominate T20 cricket in the Middle East, leveraging KKR’s expertise.

4. Los Angeles Knight Riders (MLC) – USA

As T20 cricket grows in the United States, KKR has invested in Major League Cricket (MLC) by acquiring the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR). This move is expected to increase the franchise’s influence in North America, tapping into a new cricket market.

5. Upcoming Kolkata Knight Riders Ventures

The Knight Riders Group has expressed interest in investing in other leagues, including The Hundred in England and other emerging T20 tournaments. Their global expansion strategy suggests they are aiming to become the leading multi-team franchise in world cricket.

Conclusion

Kolkata Knight Riders have established a cricketing empire that extends far beyond the IPL. With successful teams in India, the Caribbean, UAE, and the USA, the Knight Riders Group continues to be a dominant force in global franchise cricket. Their strategy of expansion and strong leadership ensures that the KKR brand remains one of the most recognizable in the cricketing world. With further investments on the horizon, the Knight Riders’ influence in T20 cricket is only set to grow.

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