RCB script history, sold for over Rs 16,000 crore in record-shattering IPL deal

Mangalore Today News Network/ NDTV

Bengaluru, Mar 25, 2026: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been sold in a record-breaking Indian Premier League (IPL) deal valued at ₹16,700 crore ($1.78 billion). A consortium comprising the Aditya Birla Group, Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone’s BXPE has acquired a 100% stake in the franchise from United Spirits Limited (USL), a subsidiary of Diageo plc.

The deal includes ownership of both the men’s IPL team and the women’s team in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Following the acquisition, Aryaman Vikram Birla will take over as Chairman of RCB, with Satyan Gajwani as Vice Chairman.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, including from the BCCI and the Competition Commission of India.

The new owners have pledged to build on RCB’s strong legacy, global fanbase, and recent championship success, while maintaining its deep connection with Bengaluru and its supporters.

RCB, one of the original IPL franchises, was initially bought by Vijay Mallya in 2008 and later came under Diageo’s ownership in 2016. The sale follows mounting pressure on USL to divest non-core assets.