In a deal that has sent shockwaves through the world of cricket and business, a four-group consortium has signed a definitive agreement with United Spirits Limited, a subsidiary of UK-based Diageo Plc, to acquire full ownership of Royal Challengers Bengaluru for $1.78 billion. ESPNcricinfo The deal includes both the men’s IPL team and the women’s WPL franchise.
This is one of the biggest sports franchise sales in Asian history — and it happens just three days before RCB begin their IPL 2026 title defence.
Who Are the New Owners?
Under the revamped ownership structure of RCB, Aryaman Vikram Birla, who himself was once part of the IPL as a player, will serve as chairman of the franchise, while Satyan Gajwani will take on the role of vice chairman. The consortium also includes prominent global investors such as David Blitzer of Bolt Ventures and Viral Patel, chief executive officer of Blackstone’s BXPE, bringing a blend of sports, media, and financial expertise to the franchise. ESPNcricinfo
The Aditya Birla Group needs no introduction in India — one of the country’s most powerful and respected conglomerates. The Times of India Group is India’s largest media company. Together, they bring enormous brand power, media reach, and financial muscle to a franchise that has always had passionate fans but until last year had never won a title.
What Does This Mean for RCB?
For RCB fans, this news is both exciting and slightly nerve-wracking. Change of ownership at any sports franchise brings uncertainty — new priorities, new commercial directions, new faces in the boardroom.
But the timing could not be better. RCB are entering this season as defending champions, with a settled squad, a confident captain in Rajat Patidar, and Virat Kohli firing on all cylinders. The new owners inherit a franchise at the peak of its powers.
A&W Capital, Moelis, and Khaitan & Co. advised the buyers on the transaction, while Citi India and AZB Partners acted as advisors and legal counsel for USL on the sell side. ESPNcricinfo The complexity of the deal reflects just how significant this acquisition is — this is not a small transaction, it is a landmark moment in Indian sports business.
The $1.78 Billion Valuation — What It Tells Us
When RCB were first established in 2008, the franchise was sold for approximately $111.6 million. Today, they have been valued at $1.78 billion — a 16x increase in under two decades.
This extraordinary growth reflects the explosion of IPL as a global property. The league is now one of the most valuable sporting competitions in the world, attracting global investors, broadcast deals worth billions, and a fanbase that spans every continent.
For Indian cricket fans, the message is clear — the IPL is not just a cricket tournament anymore. It is a global business phenomenon.
Virat Kohli Reaction
While the new ownership consortium has not yet made a public statement on their vision for the franchise, all eyes will be on how Virat Kohli — who has been the face of RCB for over a decade — responds to the change. Kohli’s relationship with RCB is deeply personal, and his reaction to the ownership change will be one of the most watched moments in the coming days.
For now though, the cricket must come first. RCB vs SRH on March 28. Three days away. New owners, same mission — defend that title.
Stay tuned to Match Points Table for all the latest RCB and IPL 2026 news. 🏏
Published by Match Points Table | matchpointstable.com | March 25, 2026