The Indian Premier League (IPL) entered a new stratosphere of financial dominance after the landmark acquisition of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). In a deal that sent shockwaves through the global sports market, a high-powered consortium led by Aditya Birla Group Completed the acquisition of 100% of the franchise for $1.78 billion (approx. ₹ 16,700 crore). This historic transaction not only crowns RCB as the most expensive franchise in IPL history, but also marks a seismic shift in how major sporting assets are valued in India.
A buyout involving both the men’s IPL team and the ruler Women’s Premier League (WPL) champion side, concluded in March 2026. The winning consortium brings together a formidable mix of Indian industrial heritage and global private equity, which includes the Aditya Birla Group., Brother, David Blitzer Bolt Ventures, and Times of India Group. Under new management Aryaman Vikram BirlaFormer professional cricketer and director of Aditya Birla Group is set to take the reins as Chairman.
Vijay Mallya shares his thoughts on RCB’s record-breaking ₹ 16,700 crore pact
The founding father of the franchise reacted to the news from England, Vijay Mallyatook to social media to reflect on the team’s meteoric rise. Mallya, who bought the franchise for Rs 450 crore ($111.6 million) in 2008, noted with “great satisfaction” that his initial investment has grown nearly 37 times over 18 years. He recalled the skepticism he faced during the league’s inception, noting that many critics dismissed his proposal as a mere “vanity project.”
“I would like to heartily congratulate the new owners of RCB. I wish them the best and Godspeed with the most valuable IPL franchise. When I bought a franchise for INR 450 crore in 2008, most people laughed at me and criticized my investment as a vanity project. Behind my much-hyped antics was building the brand Royal Challenge and so I named the franchise RCB. It is very gratifying to see my investment of INR 450 crore grow to INR 16,500 crore. RCB will always be a part of their DNA with indelible memories including picking a young Virat Kohli who is now among the best in the world. I thank all the RCB fans who have come on board during and after my tenure and please continue to support RCB Lion Bangalore. NamaskaraMallya wrote in X.
He highlighted his role in signing a youngster in 2008, stressing that the franchise remains part of his “DNA”. Virat Kohli. Kohli, who led the team to its first IPL title in 2025, has become the face of a brand that is currently valued at 15% to 20% more than other top-flight teams.
I would like to heartily congratulate the new owners of RCB. I wish them the best and Godspeed with the most valuable IPL franchise. When I bought a franchise for INR 450 crore in 2008, most people laughed at me and criticized my investment as a vanity project. Behind me…
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) March 26, 2026
Also READ: Aditya Birla Group-led consortium acquires RCB in record-breaking deal ahead of IPL 2026.
A new era of global investment in Indian sports
The RCB deal was the second half of a historic ‘double header’ for the IPL business. A few days ago, Rajasthan Royals Acquired for $1.63 billion (approx. €15,300) by a consortium led by a US-based tech entrepreneur Kal Somani. This group includes heavy weights Rob Walton (heir to the Walmart fortune) and the Hamp family (owners of the NFL’s Detroit Lions).
sale by United Spirits Limited (Diageo India) marks a strategic exit for the beverage giant, which classifies its sports asset as “non-core”. The appeal for the new owners lies in the IPL’s strong brand equity, which has recently been rated higher. 18.5 billion dollars. With the entry of global giants such as Blackstone and Bolt Ventures, which own stakes in the Philadelphia 76ers and Crystal Palace, RCB is expected to become a “global sports entity” while retaining its deep-rooted connection with fans in Karnataka.
Also READ: IPL 2026: Who is Aryaman Birla? Meet the new chairman of RCB
