In a significant development for cricket fans, Amrit Thomas has been named the new chairman of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) following a historic acquisition on March 28, 2026. The franchise was sold for a staggering $1.78 billion, marking one of the largest transactions in sports history.
The acquisition involved several prominent entities, including the Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone. This transaction values RCB at approximately INR 166.6 billion, a remarkable leap from the INR 450 crores that former owner Vijay Mallya paid for the franchise back in 2008.
Vijay Mallya, who had been the face of RCB since its inception, faced significant challenges leading up to this sale, particularly due to financial scandals that marred his reputation. His departure from the franchise has been bittersweet, as he reflected on the journey, stating, “When I bought the franchise in 2008 for INR 450 crores, most people laughed at me and criticised my investment as a vanity project.”
Despite the tumultuous circumstances surrounding Mallya’s exit, RCB has recently enjoyed a resurgence on the field, winning their first IPL trophy in 2025 and entering the 2026 season as defending champions. Under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar, the team has transformed its fortunes, much to the delight of its passionate fanbase.
The atmosphere at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru was electric as the IPL 2026 season opener approached, with many fans expressing excitement for the new chapter under Thomas’s leadership. One fan captured the sentiment perfectly, stating, “It’s a massive night here in Bengaluru with the IPL 2026 season opener at the Chinnaswamy.”
As RCB embarks on this new journey, the franchise aims to build on its recent successes while navigating the challenges of a new ownership structure. The involvement of such high-profile investors suggests a commitment to elevating the team’s status within the league.
In his farewell remarks, Mallya expressed pride in his legacy, saying, “The Day has arrived for our Lions of Bengaluru…namma sinhagulu…IPL Champions. Good Luck and Play Bold…Dhairyadinda ațavadi.” His words resonate with the hope that RCB will continue to thrive and capture the hearts of cricket fans.
As the dust settles from this monumental sale, the cricket community eagerly anticipates how Thomas and the new ownership group will shape the future of RCB. Details remain unconfirmed, but the excitement surrounding this transition is palpable.
