Key moments
In a landmark deal, 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. The acquisition, finalized on March 25, 2026, is valued at a staggering US$1.78 billion (approximately ₹16,660 crore), making it the most expensive IPL franchise sold to date.
The deal marks a significant shift in the ownership landscape of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Following a strategic review initiated by United Spirits in November 2025, the beverage giant decided to divest its stake in RCB to focus on its core business. The consortium’s acquisition includes full ownership of both the IPL and Women’s Premier League (WPL) teams, reflecting their commitment to enhancing the franchise’s stature.
With the acquisition, Aryaman Vikram Birla will take the helm as RCB chairman, while Satyan Gajwani will serve as vice-chairman. Their leadership is expected to steer RCB towards greater achievements, as they expressed pride in becoming custodians of the franchise.
RCB has a storied history in the IPL, having competed for 18 years and securing two titles. The franchise boasts a world-class fanbase, making it an attractive investment for the consortium. Kumar Mangalam Birla remarked, “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.”
The acquisition is still pending approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL governing council, with customary closing conditions to be met. The IPL’s total value is estimated at USD 18.5 billion, highlighting the lucrative nature of cricket in India.
In a statement, David Blitzer emphasized the growth potential of RCB, stating, “RCB has a world-class fanbase, and the IPL is one of the great growth stories in global sport.” Meanwhile, Viral Patel from Blackstone expressed excitement about the investment, reinforcing the firm’s long-standing commitment to India.
As the dust settles on this monumental acquisition, the cricketing community awaits further developments. The consortium’s vision for RCB promises a new chapter in the franchise’s history, with aspirations to elevate the team’s performance and fan engagement.
