RCB Sold for USD 1.78 Billion to Consortium Comprising Indian and Overseas Entities

RCB Sold for USD 1.78 Billion

A consortium of Indian and international business entities has acquired full ownership of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise in a massive all-cash deal valued at approximately USD 1.78 billion (INR 16,660 crore). The announcement was made by United Spirits Limited (USL), the current owner of RCB’s IPL and WPL teams.

According to USL’s official statement, its board has approved the sale to a consortium that includes the Aditya Birla Group, the Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone’s perpetual private equity arm, BXPE. Following the transaction, both the men’s and women’s RCB teams—previously operated under Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited—will now come under the ownership and management of this consortium.

The scale of the deal becomes even more striking when compared to past franchise sales. The valuation surpasses the combined INR 12,715 crore (around USD 1.69 billion) paid for the Lucknow and Ahmedabad IPL franchises in 2021. Notably, when initial interest in RCB emerged earlier this year, the consortium had not yet been formed, and at least eight separate investors had been shortlisted.

Back in November, Diageo—the global alcohol giant and parent company of USL—had disclosed in filings to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) that it was reviewing its stake in RCB. The company indicated that cricket was not a core business focus and aimed to finalize the sale by March 31.

Before the consortium can officially assume control, the transaction will require approval from both the BCCI and the Competition Commission of India.

RCB has a long history in the IPL, having been one of the original eight franchises in 2008. At the time, it was the second-most expensive team, purchased for USD 111.6 million by Vijay Mallya’s United Breweries Group. In 2023, the franchise further expanded its footprint by acquiring the Bengaluru team in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) for INR 901 crore (approximately USD 110 million), making it the third-costliest among the five teams.

The new ownership group has already outlined its leadership structure. Aryaman Birla, a former Madhya Pradesh cricketer and ex-Rajasthan Royals squad member, will serve as chairman, while Satyan Gajwani of the Times of India Group will take on the role of vice-chairman. In a statement, the consortium expressed pride in becoming the custodians of RCB.

Praveen Someshwar, Managing Director and CEO of USL, described RCB as one of the most prominent and commercially successful franchises in both the IPL and WPL. He noted that the team’s “Play Bold” philosophy and competitive spirit have helped build a globally recognized brand with a loyal fan base. He also expressed confidence in the franchise’s future under its new ownership, especially as the sports industry continues to expand rapidly in India and worldwide.

The consortium itself brings together a diverse mix of influential investors. The Aditya Birla Group is a global conglomerate with interests spanning metals, cement, fashion, and retail. Bolt Ventures is led by David Blitzer, a prominent sports investor with stakes in multiple global teams across leagues such as the Premier League, NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, and MLS. Blackstone stands as the world’s largest alternative asset manager, with investments across real estate, private equity, infrastructure, and more. Meanwhile, the Times of India Group is a major media powerhouse in India and already holds stakes in teams across leagues like Major League Cricket (MLC) and The Hundred.

Together, this consortium signals a new era for RCB, backed by deep financial strength and global sports expertise.