RCB sold for $1.78bn to Aditya Birla Group, Ananya Birla denies name

BENGALURU (Azat TV) – The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise was sold on March 25, 2026, to a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group for a record $1.78 billion (₹16,600 crore), marking the most valuable transaction in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. This landmark deal shifts ownership from previous stakeholders, including United Spirits Limited and former owner Vijay Mallya, to one of India’s largest conglomerates, signaling a new era for the franchise and the IPL market.

RCB sale to Aditya Birla Group reshapes IPL franchise landscape

The consortium acquiring RCB includes the Aditya Birla Group (ABG), Times Internet Limited, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone’s perpetual private equity arm BXPE. Aryaman Vikram Birla, an ex-cricketer and member of the Birla family, will assume the role of chairman, with Satyan Gajwani as vice chairman. This transition ends Vijay Mallya’s stewardship, who invested ₹450 crore in 2008 and witnessed the franchise grow to an unprecedented valuation of over ₹16,500 crore by 2026.

Former owner Vijay Mallya expressed his congratulations to the new owners on social media, reflecting on his initial investment and the franchise’s growth. He highlighted the franchise’s significance in his personal and professional journey, particularly mentioning his role in discovering Virat Kohli, now one of the world’s leading cricketers. Mallya described the sale as “immensely gratifying,” acknowledging RCB’s evolution from a criticized venture to the IPL’s most valuable brand.

Ananya Birla addresses RCB name change rumors after acquisition

Following the acquisition, speculation emerged about whether the iconic Royal Challengers Bengaluru name would be altered under the new ownership. Ananya Birla, a prominent figure in the Aditya Birla Group, dispelled these rumors in a social media post, confirming the franchise’s name will remain unchanged. The consortium’s official statement reiterated that the transaction includes ownership of both the men’s IPL and women’s WPL teams under the RCB banner.

This reassurance is significant for fans and stakeholders who value the legacy and brand identity built over nearly two decades since the IPL’s inception in 2008. RCB’s recent on-field success, including winning their maiden IPL title in 2025 and the women’s team securing their second WPL championship in 2026, further cements the importance of continuity for the franchise.

Virat Kohli’s role under new ownership and IPL 2026 outlook

Virat Kohli, a cornerstone player associated with RCB since its founding, remains a central figure as the franchise enters this new phase. Although the new owners have not publicly detailed Kohli’s future role, his long-standing connection to the team and leadership qualities suggest he will continue to be a vital asset both on and off the field.

The IPL 2026 season will kick off on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, with RCB hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to forgo the traditional opening ceremony this year in Bengaluru as a mark of respect for victims of a stampede tragedy during RCB’s 2025 title celebrations. However, a grand closing ceremony is planned for the IPL final on May 31.

Diageo’s exit and strategic refocus

In a related development, Diageo plc, which controlled United Spirits Limited, exited the RCB franchise as part of a broader strategy to focus on its core beverage business. The divestment aligns with Diageo’s portfolio review amidst challenging share price performance and marks a clear shift away from sports franchise ownership.

• RCB sold for $1.78 billion to Aditya Birla Group-led consortium.
• Vijay Mallya congratulates new owners, reflects on franchise growth.
• Ananya Birla confirms RCB name will not change post-sale.
• IPL 2026 opener set for March 28 in Bengaluru without opening ceremony.
• Diageo exits RCB to refocus on core beverage operations.

The sale of Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the Aditya Birla Group signals a pivotal moment in IPL history, reflecting the escalating commercial value of cricket franchises in India. While ownership has changed hands, the commitment to preserving the team’s identity and legacy remains clear, underscoring the growing balance between tradition and corporate scale in Indian sports.