Sanjiv Goenka, who recently bought the Pune franchise of the Indian Premier League, is keen to expand and further strengthen the group’s presence in sports. He said the group will be opening a football academy and could also look at a possible acquisition of an international football club in the future.

Besides, owning Rising Pune Supergiants, Goenka also co-owns the Indian Super League team-Atletico de Kolkata along with other partners.

Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman, RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, said: “It could be expansion activity in the sports that we are already present in. We could hypothetically look at acquiring a football club overseas. But our immediate focus is to build a football academy and get into grassroots football. We will also look at expanding (group’s presences) to other sports. I am enjoying my tryst with sports.”

He said while the ISL team has not yet become profitable, but he can see “a path to profitability” for the team in the next few years. The company is looking to open a football academy in Kolkata and is awaiting some approvals from the State government.

Media business

Meanwhile, Goenka said he is also keen to grow the company’s media business and is waiting for the right opportunity. “I am open to acquiring a media company…it all depends on the valuations. I will definitely like to see our presence in different media formats but not at crazy prices,” he added.

Asked about whether the company will be using the IPL team to promote the group’s own brands, he said that in-house brands will bid just like any other brands. He said the company has aggressive targets for sponsorship revenues, as the team gears up for the first season, but did not give specifics. He said the company is getting good response from brands.

As the Pune and Rajkot teams have come on board only for two years, unlike other franchises, the teams have a tough task ahead in terms of revenues.

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