Mumbai, March 24: In one of the largest transactions in sporting history, a high-profile consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group (ABG) has reached a definitive agreement to acquire 100 per cent of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise. The deal, valued at approximately INR 16,706 crore (USD 1.78 billion), marks the end of United Spirits Limited's (USL) long-standing ownership of the team.

The acquisition encompasses both the men's Indian Premier League (IPL) team and the Women's Premier League (WPL) franchise, signaling a major shift in the leadership of one of cricket’s most popular global brands. IPL 2026: RCB To Pay Tribute to Fans Who Lost Their Lives in Stampede Outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium; Players To Wear Jersey Number 11.

A New Power Structure to Own RCB

The acquisition brings together a diverse group of global investors and media giants. While the Aditya Birla Group leads the consortium, other key partners include:

  • The Times of India Group: India’s leading media conglomerate.

  • Blackstone: A global private equity firm represented by its perpetual private equity strategy, BXPE.

  • Bolt Ventures: Owned by prominent American sports investor David Blitzer.

Under the new structure, Aryaman Vikram Birla, Director of the Aditya Birla Group, will serve as the Chairman of the franchise. Satyan Gajwani of The Times of India Group has been named Vice Chairman.

RCB's Transition from United Spirits

United Spirits Limited, a subsidiary of the UK-based Diageo plc, had owned the franchise since the IPL’s inception in 2008. According to industry insiders, USL sought to divest the team as professional sports management was no longer central to its core business strategy. The sale allows USL to focus on its primary beverage portfolio while handing the "Bold" brand to a consortium with deep roots in industrial and media sectors. Virat Kohli Arrives in Bengaluru For IPL 2026 As RCB Eye Title Defence (Watch Video).

Regulatory Approvals and Timeline

While the definitive agreement has been signed, the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions. This includes mandatory approvals from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Given the scale of the deal and the involvement of international private equity, regulatory oversight is expected to be thorough before the handover is finalized.

Strategic Impact on IPL 2026

The timing of the ownership announcement, made just days before the IPL 2026 season opener, has added significant momentum to the tournament's start. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is set to launch its campaign at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, March 28. Under a revised venue strategy for the 2026 season, the franchise will host five of its home matches in Bengaluru, while moving two high-profile fixtures to Raipur. This geographic expansion aims to broaden the team's local fan base across Central India as the new management takes the helm.

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