Key moments
In a landmark development for Indian cricket, the Aditya Birla Group, alongside The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone, has acquired 100% of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) from United Spirits Ltd. This significant transaction, which took place on March 25, 2026, is valued at an astonishing US$1.78 billion (approximately ₹16,660 crore), making it the most expensive IPL franchise sold to date.
The acquisition has been described as a strategic move for United Spirits, which initiated a review of its holding in RCB back in November 2025. This decision allows the beverage giant to refocus on its core business while handing over the reins of one of the most popular franchises in the Indian Premier League to a consortium that is eager to elevate the team’s status further.
As part of the new leadership structure, Aryaman Vikram Birla will take on the role of RCB chairman, with Satyan Gajwani serving as vice-chairman. Their appointments signal a commitment to not just maintaining but enhancing the franchise’s legacy, which has seen RCB become a fan favorite despite its lack of IPL titles over the years.
RCB’s history is notable; the franchise has been part of the IPL since its inception, and despite not securing a championship, it boasts a passionate fanbase and significant market presence. The acquisition includes full ownership of both the IPL and Women’s Premier League (WPL) teams, indicating a broader vision for growth and investment in cricket.
Kumar Mangalam Birla expressed pride in the acquisition, stating, “RCB, as one of the most compelling franchises in modern sport, offers the Aditya Birla Group a distinctive platform to extend its legacy of institution-building into the arena of global sport.” This sentiment reflects the consortium’s ambition to not only manage the franchise but to also contribute to its evolution in the competitive landscape of cricket.
David Blitzer, a member of the consortium, added, “RCB has a world-class fanbase, and the IPL is one of the great growth stories in global sport.” This highlights the potential for further investment and development within the franchise, which could lead to enhanced performance on the field and increased engagement with fans.
The acquisition is currently awaiting customary closing conditions, including approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL governing council. As the IPL’s total value is pegged at USD 18.5 billion, this acquisition not only underscores the financial viability of cricket franchises but also the growing interest from major corporations in the sport.
As the dust settles on this monumental deal, the consortium has expressed excitement about the future. Viral Patel from Blackstone remarked, “We are excited to invest in RCB, building on Blackstone’s long-standing commitment to India.” The coming months will be crucial as the new ownership prepares to unveil their vision for RCB and its dedicated fanbase, who are eager for a successful chapter in the franchise’s storied history.
