On March 26, 2026, a significant shift occurred in the ownership of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as Vijay Mallya officially sold the franchise to a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group. This sale marks a pivotal moment in the Indian Premier League (IPL), as it is the largest deal in the league’s history.
Vijay Mallya, who had acquired RCB in 2008 for INR 450 crore, faced scrutiny over his extravagant investment at the time. Despite the challenges he faced, Mallya’s connection to the franchise remained strong, stating, “RCB will always remain a part of my DNA.”
The sale was finalized for an impressive INR 16,660 crore, an all-cash transaction that underscores the growing financial stakes within the IPL. The consortium that now owns RCB includes prominent entities such as The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone.
United Spirits Limited, under Mallya’s ownership, sold 100 percent equity in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), the entity that operates RCB. The deal, however, was contingent upon receiving regulatory approvals from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Competition Commission of India.
Mallya expressed his congratulations to the new owners, saying, “I would like to heartily congratulate the new owners of RCB.” This transition not only signifies a change in ownership but also reflects the evolving landscape of cricket in India, where financial investments continue to escalate.
The implications of this sale are significant for all parties involved. For the Aditya Birla Group and its partners, this acquisition represents a strategic investment in a high-profile sports franchise, while for Mallya, it marks the end of an era.
As the IPL continues to grow in popularity and financial power, the sale of RCB sets a new benchmark for franchise valuations. The future of RCB under its new ownership will be closely watched by fans and industry experts alike.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for the regulatory approvals needed to finalize the sale. However, the market response to this historic transaction has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating strong confidence in the future of RCB.
