Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) sold for a record-breaking $1.78 Billion. Aditya Birla Group and TOI lead the acquisition. Get details on the new owners here.
New Delhi: Cricket fans have something important to say! One of the most admired IPL teams in India, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), now belongs to a new owner. Diageo’s share of United Spirits Limited (USL) sold the entire franchise for an astounding USD 1.78 billion (nearly Rs 16,600–16,706 crores) on March 24, 2026.
This includes both the men’s IPL team and the women’s WPL side.Having overtaken the Rajasthan Royals’ recent agreement, it is the most costly IPL team sale ever.
What Exactly Happened?
United Spirits Limited, the previous owner, announced the sale after its board approved the deal. A consortium of big Indian and global companies has bought 100% of RCB. The deal is already signed, but it still needs final approval from the BCCI and IPL Governing Council. Once approved, the new owners will take full control.
RCB fans will be happy to know the team (and its star players like Virat Kohli) will keep playing under the same name and colours – just with fresh energy and bigger plans behind the scenes.
Who Are the New Owners?
The buyers are a strong team-up of four groups:
The Acquiring Consortium brings together three partners with complementary strengths across sport, media, technology, and brand-building
Aditya Birla Group is one of India’s largest and most respected conglomerates, with operations spanning over 40 countries and a legacy of over 165 years.
The Times of India Group is one of India’s largest media conglomerates and operates the most comprehensive cricket ecosystem in the world, encompassing Cricbuzz, Willow TV, Major League Cricket, and the London Spirit.
Bolt Ventures is the private investment platform of David Blitzer, one of the most prominent sports investors in the world, with ownership stakes across the EPL, NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, MLS, and other leagues across five continents.
Blackstone is the world’s largest alternative asset manager, with $1.3 trillion in assets under management across global investment strategies.
Aryaman Vikram Birla (from the Aditya Birla family) is expected to become the new Chairman of RCB. Satyan Gajwani from the Times of India Group will likely serve as Vice Chairman. This mix brings huge business power, media strength, and global sports experience to the table.
Why Is This Deal So Big?
Record Price: RCB was bought for nearly 15 times more than its original price back in 2008!
RCB’s Success: The team finally won its first IPL title in 2025, which made it even more valuable.
IPL Boom: Franchise values are shooting up because of huge TV rights money, global fans, and sponsorships.
All-Cash Deal: The buyers paid everything upfront – no loans or delays.
This sale shows how hot the IPL market is right now. Just days ago, Rajasthan Royals were sold for USD 1.63 billion – RCB has now set a new high
Good news for supporters:
More money for better players, training, and facilities.
Stronger marketing and fan experiences (thanks to Times of India’s media reach).
Long-term stability – these owners have deep pockets and big dreams for the brand.
The team’s on-field plans (like player auctions and strategies for IPL 2026) are unlikely to change suddenly. Virat Kohli and the squad can focus on defending their title with full support.
What’s Next?
The new owners have promised to keep RCB’s “royal” spirit alive while building an even stronger future. Expect exciting announcements soon about new partnerships, women’s team growth, and maybe more fan events.
