Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will have a new owner after the franchise was acquired by a consortium comprising Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures founded by sports investor David Blitzer and US asset management firm Blackstone.
The consortium is buying RCB and its women’s team from United Spirits Limited in a transaction valued at approx ₹166.6 billion ($1.78 billion), in a deal that was announced on Tuesday, four days before the Bengaluru-based franchise begins its IPL defence. This made RCB the most expensive franchise in IPL history.
Amidst the ruckus at RCB, speculations were rife whether the franchise would go by its original name of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Ananya Birla, daughter of industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla and a key public face of the Aditya Birla Group, put all speculation to rest and settled the debate on Instagram. She stated that the name of the franchise will remain the same.
“RCB is sold for 16705 crores..!” Ananya wrote on her Instagram story. “The consortium of Aditya Birla Group, David Blitzer, Blackstone has acquired RCB. The good news is that according to reports, the Aditya Birla Group has confirmed that the name ‘Royal Challengers Bengaluru’ will remain the same,” she further added.
Who will lead RCB after takeover?
It should be noted that the takeover of RCB by the new owners will take place after the start of IPL 2026. Under the new ownership structure, Aryaman Vikram Birla, director of the Aditya Birla Group, will take over as chairman. Satyan Gajwani of The Times of India Group will take on the role of RCB vice-chairman.
