The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to generate massive revenue after the sale of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Notably, BCCI will earn around ₹1,550 crore to ₹1,583 crore from franchise acquisitions before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
BCCI gets huge revenue from RCB and Rajasthan Royals deal
Royal Challengers Bangalore was valued at $1.78 billion (approximately ₹16,706 crore) after the acquisition by the Aditya Birla Group-led consortium. Meanwhile, United States-based entrepreneur Kal Somani bought Rajasthan Royals for approximately $1.63 billion (approximately ₹15,290 crore).
Combined, both Indian Premier League franchises were valued at approximately ₹31,000 crore. Under the five per cent transfer clause, BCCI is expected to earn around ₹833 crore to ₹835 crore from the RCB deal.
The board is also likely to earn around ₹765 crore from the Rajasthan Royals transaction, although the final amount may vary depending on the inclusion of subsidiary global teams.
Rajasthan Royals deal introduces complications for BCCI transfer fee
While BCCI’s payout from the Royal Challengers Bangalore acquisition is relatively simple, the Rajasthan Royals deal involves additional complexities.
According to reports, the valuation of $1.63 billion may include other cricket properties owned by Emerging Media Ventures, such as Paarl Royals in South Africa and Barbados Royals from the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Since the BCCI transfer fee is applicable only on IPL franchises, officials will have to separate out the standalone value of Rajasthan Royals from the overall portfolio. Both ownership deals will require approval from the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council before they become official after the 2026 season.
IPL 2026 scheduled to start on March 28 with RCB match
Aryaman Vikram Birla will serve as the chairman of Royal Challengers Bangalore, while Satyan Gajwani will serve as the vice-chairman. A new leadership group, including investors David Blitzer and Blackstone, will take over the reins of the defending champions.
There has also been speculation about a possible name change of Royal Challengers Bangalore, although there has been no official confirmation yet.
The Indian Premier League 2026 season begins on Saturday, March 28, with RCB facing Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The BCCI has released a schedule of 74 matches in several phases due to the ongoing assembly elections in the state, with the final schedule being held on May 31.
Both Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals hold significance as the most recent and inaugural champions respectively.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are the most successful franchises in the IPL, with five trophies each. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have secured three titles in the tournament.
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