Aditya Birla Group Acquires Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Bengaluru
Key moments
In a landmark development for Indian cricket, the Aditya Birla Group has officially acquired the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise from United Spirits Ltd on March 25, 2026. This acquisition, valued at an impressive US$1.78 billion (approximately ₹16,660 crore), marks a significant milestone in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The consortium, which includes notable partners such as The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone, has secured a 100% equity stake in RCB. This transaction not only sets a record for the most expensive IPL franchise sold to date but also reflects the growing financial landscape of cricket in India.
Following the acquisition, Aryaman Vikram Birla is set to take on the role of RCB chairman, with Satyan Gajwani serving as vice-chairman. Their leadership is expected to usher in a new era for the franchise, which has a passionate fanbase and a rich history in the IPL.
The acquisition comes after United Spirits initiated a strategic review of its holding in RCB in November 2025, allowing the beverage company to refocus on its core business. As part of this deal, the consortium will also have full ownership of both the IPL and Women’s Premier League (WPL) teams.
In a statement, Kumar Mangalam Birla expressed pride in the acquisition, stating, “RCB, as one of the most compelling franchises in modern sport, offers the Aditya Birla Group a distinctive platform to extend its legacy of institution-building into the arena of global sport.” This sentiment was echoed by David Blitzer, who noted the immense potential of RCB and the IPL as a growth story in global sports.
The acquisition is still subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from the BCCI and the IPL governing council. The IPL’s total value is pegged at USD 18.5 billion, according to investment bank Houlihan Lokey, indicating the lucrative nature of cricket in India.
As the news of this acquisition spreads, reactions from the cricket community have been overwhelmingly positive. Viral Patel from Blackstone remarked, “We are excited to invest in RCB, building on Blackstone’s long-standing commitment to India.” This enthusiasm reflects a shared vision among the new owners to elevate RCB’s status in the cricketing world.
With this acquisition, the Aditya Birla Group and its partners are poised to take RCB to new heights, promising a bright future for the franchise and its dedicated fans. As the cricketing landscape continues to evolve, the impact of this acquisition will be closely watched by enthusiasts and stakeholders alike.
