The Indian Premier League (IPL) has entered a new stratosphere of financial dominance following the landmark acquisition of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). In a deal that has sent shockwaves through the global sports market, a high-powered consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group completed a 100% buyout of the franchise for a staggering $1.78 billion (approximately ₹16,700 crore). This historic transaction not only crowns RCB as the most expensive franchise in IPL history but also signals a seismic shift in how premier sporting assets are valued in India.
The acquisition, which includes both the men’s IPL team and the reigning Women’s Premier League (WPL) champion side, was finalized in March 2026. The winning consortium brings together a formidable blend of Indian industrial heritage and global private equity, featuring the Aditya Birla Group, Blackstone, David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures, and the Times of India Group. Under the new leadership, Aryaman Vikram Birla, a former professional cricketer and director at the Aditya Birla Group, is set to take the helm as Chairman.
Vijay Mallya shares his views on RCB’s record-breaking ₹16,700 crore pact
Reacting to the news from the UK, the franchise’s founding father, Vijay Mallya, took to social media to reflect on the team’s meteoric rise. Mallya, who originally purchased the franchise in 2008 for ₹450 crore ($111.6 million), noted with a sense of ‘immense gratification’ how his initial investment has grown nearly 37 times over 18 years. He recalled the scepticism he faced during the league’s inception, noting that many critics dismissed his bid as a mere ‘vanity project.’
“I would like to heartily congratulate the new owners of RCB. I wish them the very best and Godspeed with the most valuable IPL franchise. When I bought the franchise in 2008 for INR 450 crores, most people laughed at me and criticised my investment as a vanity project. Behind my much touted madnesses was building the Royal Challenge brand and hence I named the franchise RCB. Immensely gratifying to see my INR 450 crore investment grow to INR 16,500 crores. RCB will always remain a part of my DNA with indelible memories including picking the young Virat Kohli who is now amongst the best in the World. To all RCB fans who came on board during my stewardship and beyond, a grateful thank you and please continue to support RCB the Lion of Bengaluru. Namaskara,” Mallya posted on X.
He emphasized that the franchise remains part of his “DNA,” particularly highlighting his role in the 2008 signing of a young Virat Kohli. Kohli, who led the team to its first-ever IPL title in 2025, has become the face of a brand that now commands a premium valuation 15% to 20% higher than other top-tier teams.
I would like to heartily congratulate the new owners of RCB. I wish them the very best and Godspeed with the most valuable IPL franchise. When I bought the franchise in 2008 for INR 450 crores, most people laughed at me and criticised my investment as a vanity project. Behind my…
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) March 26, 2026
A new era of global investment in Indian sports
The RCB deal was the second half of a historic ‘double-header’ for IPL business. Just days earlier, the Rajasthan Royals were acquired for $1.63 billion (approx. ₹15,300 crore) by a consortium led by US-based tech entrepreneur Kal Somani. This group included heavyweights like Rob Walton (heir to the Walmart fortune) and the Hamp family (owners of the NFL’s Detroit Lions).
The sale by United Spirits Limited (Diageo India) marks a strategic exit for the beverage giant, which categorized the sports asset as ‘non-core.’ For the new owners, the appeal lies in the IPL’s resilient brand equity, which was recently valued at over $18.5 billion. With the inclusion of global giants like Blackstone and Bolt Ventures, who hold stakes in the Philadelphia 76ers and Crystal Palace, RCB is expected to transition into a ‘global sporting institution’ while maintaining its deep-rooted connection to the fans in Karnataka.
