In remarkable development ahead Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was acquired by a powerful global consortium led by him Aditya Birla Group. The high-value transaction, valued at around US$1.78 billion (approx. ₹ 16,706 crore), marks one of the largest franchise deals in cricket history and highlights the rapidly expanding global influence of the IPL.
Aditya Birla Group and others acquire RCB
The consortium comprises a mix of Indian and international heavyweights, including US-based sports investor Aditya Birla Group. David Blitzerthe private equity giant Blackstoneand a media powerhouse The Times of India. Together, they signed a definitive agreement to buy 100 percent stake in RCB. United Spirits Limited (USL)Operating in Great Britain Diageo plc.
The deal follows months of speculation, with reports suggesting the previous owners were targeting a valuation of around US$2 billion. Although the final figure is slightly short, it still sets a new benchmark for franchise valuations in the IPL ecosystem.
RCB’s rising value is fueling investors’ interest
RCB’s growing success on and off the field has been instrumental in attracting strong investor interest. The franchise recently secured its first IPL title, ending years of failure and cementing its position among the league’s elite teams. In addition, the women’s team also achieved the second success Women’s Premier League (WPL) name this year.
This dual success has significantly increased the appeal of the brand, making it an attractive asset for investors looking to capitalize on cricket’s expanding global footprint and the commercial power of the IPL.
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A look into the future
Kumar Mangalam BirlaThe Aditya Birla Group chairman emphasized the wider significance of the acquisition. He described the IPL as a transformative force in global sports and highlighted RCB’s strong identity and worldwide fan base as key factors behind the investment.
He noted that the group views this acquisition as an opportunity to expand its legacy of building world-class institutions in the field of sports. The consortium aims to further strengthen the franchise’s global presence while maintaining its core values and loyal fan base.
“Over the past two decades, the IPL has changed the face of Indian cricket and become a global sporting hub that has created immense value for India. RCB, as one of the most attractive franchises in modern sports, offers the Aditya Birla Group a distinctive platform to translate its foundation-building legacy to us athletes in the arena. We are active and committed to building on this extraordinary legacy. Kumar said in a statement.
Aryaman Birlaalso a section of the consortium echoed similar sentiments, expressing their excitement about shaping the next phase of RCB’s journey. He stressed the importance of deepening fan engagement and encouraging innovation to ensure sustainable development. It should be noted that Aryaman was once a part of IPL. They tied him with a rope Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2018, but hasn’t played in a game in two seasons. In 2019, he decided to take an indefinite break from cricket.
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 have been acquired by a powerful global consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group ahead of IPL 2026. RCB’s growing success on and off the field played a key role in attracting strong investor interest.){kind=link}