In a historic development, Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has been sold for over ₹16,000 crore, making it one of the biggest deals in cricket history.
A consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group has acquired a 100 percent stake in the defending champions.
The consortium includes the Aditya Birla Group, the Times of India Group, David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures, and US-based investment firm Blackstone.
The deal, valued at around $1.78 billion, has been finalised with United Spirits Limited (USL), a subsidiary of UK-based Diageo.
Following the acquisition, Aryaman Vikram Birla will take over as chairman of the franchise, while Satyan Gajwani of the Times of India Group will serve as vice chairman.
Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, said the IPL has evolved into a global sporting powerhouse over the past two decades.
He described RCB as one of the most compelling franchises in modern sport and said the group is committed to building on its legacy and taking it to the next level.
Satyan Gajwani also highlighted RCB’s strong brand value and loyal fan base. He said the consortium aims to develop RCB into a global sporting institution while staying rooted in Bengaluru and its passionate supporters.
He also assured continued support to the players, coaching staff, and leadership team.
This deal surpasses previous franchise sales, including the recent acquisition of Rajasthan Royals by a US-based consortium for around $1.63 billion (approximately ₹15,290 crore).
With this record-breaking transaction, RCB has set a new benchmark in the IPL, reflecting the league’s growing global appeal and commercial strength.
