There has been a lot of buzz after Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) was sold in one of the biggest deals in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). A powerful consortium led by Aditya Birla Group has taken full control of the franchise in a massive deal worth US$1.78 billion.
This deal made Royal Challengers Bangalore the most expensive IPL team ever. Apart from Aditya Birla Group, large global investors like Blackstone’s BXPE, Bolt Ventures and Times of India Group invested extensively. Soon after the acquisition, a big question erupted among fans: will RCB get a new name?
‘Royal Challengers Bangalore’ name will remain the same: Ananya Birla
The Bengaluru-based team has been a part of the IPL since 2008 and finally won its first trophy in 2025. With the arrival of a new ownership group, many wondered whether the identity of Royal Challengers Bangalore would change like its name.
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But Ananya Birla has a clear message for the loyal RCB fans. Ananya Birla shared an Insta story which read: “RCB sold for Rs 16705 crore. Aditya Birla Group, a consortium of David Blitzer and Blackstone has acquired RCB. According to reports, the good news is that Aditya Birla Group has confirmed that the name ‘Royal Challengers Bengaluru’ will remain the same.”
United Spirits handed over its entire inheritance after 16 years
Meanwhile, the historic deal also includes a women’s side in the Women’s Premier League. With this acquisition, the consortium now has full rights to run one of the most followed cricket teams in the world, both men’s and women’s.
The sale also marked the end of United Spirits Limited’s long association with the Bengaluru-based franchise, closing a major chapter that began in 2008. He said in an official statement: “United Spirits Limited, pursuant to the meeting of its Board of Directors, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell 100 per cent equity stake in its wholly owned subsidiary Royal Challengers Sports Pvt. Ltd. (RCSPL) to a consortium.”
USL’s statement said: “The consortium comprises Aditya Birla Group (ABG), The Times of India Group (TIMES), Bolt Ventures (BOLT), and Blackstone’s sustainable private equity strategy, BXPE (BLACKSTONE), with a total cash transaction value of Rs 166.6 billion.
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RCSPL owns and operates the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise that participates in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Premier League (WPL). Upon completion of this transaction, the consortium, through its ownership of RCSPL, will acquire the rights to own and operate the IPL and WPL franchises.
Vijay Mallya celebrates RCB’s record breaking lead
On the other hand, former Royal Challengers Bangalore owner Vijay Mallya took a cheeky dig at his critics after the franchise was sold for ₹16,500 crore.
Mallya revealed that when he bought the team for just ₹450 crore in 2008, many people mocked him and said he was wasting money on a “sham project”.
Now, as the value of Royal Challengers Bangalore has increased almost 37 times, Mallya celebrated the moment and said it is satisfying to see his “madness” growing into such a huge success.
I want to heartily congratulate the new owners of RCB. I wish him all the best and all the best for the most valuable IPL franchise. When I bought the franchise for Rs 450 crore in 2008, most people laughed at me and criticized my investment as a vanity project. behind me…
– Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) 26 March 2026
