A consortium, led by the Aditya Birla Group, has acquired 100% of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise for $1.78 billion (approx. INR 16,600 crore).

This acquisition includes both the men’s and women’s teams, ending the ownership of United Spirits Limited (Diageo).

Apart from the Aditya Birla Group, the consortium consists of The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone Inc.

The acquisition awaits regulatory approval from BCCI, the IPL governing council and other authorities.

After this deal, Aryaman Vikram Birla (director, Aditya Birla Group) will serve the Bengaluru-based IPL franchise as chairman, with Satyan Gajwani (Times of India Group) as vice-chairman. The new ownership structure will take over post the 2026 season.

“Over the past 2 decades, the IPL has morphed to become a global sporting powerhouse that has changed the face of Indian cricket creating enormous value for India. RCB, as one of the most compelling franchises in modern sport, offers the Aditya Birla Group a distinctive platform to extend its legacy of institution-building into the arena of global sport. We are delighted to become custodians of this asset and committed to further building this extraordinary legacy,” said Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group.

Times Internet Limited's Gajwani said in a media note, “RCB is the reigning champion and the most popular brand in the IPL. As The Times of India Group, together with our partners, we will build RCB into a global sporting institution, while remaining rooted in Bengaluru and Karnataka and its incredible fanbase. We are committed to the people who built this championship-winning culture - the players, coaches, the leadership team, and the fans. We look forward to supporting the team as they take the pitch on Saturday to defend RCB’s title.”

Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of the Serum Institute of India, was among the interested bidders when Diageo Plc had reportedly sought a valuation of USD 2 billion to sell the franchise.

RCB ended their 18-year long wait to win the IPL crown last season. Following the triumph, a large celebration was organised in Bengaluru, but the situation soon turned tragic as 11 people lost their lives in a stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The Rajat Patidar-led RCB will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28.

(With TOI Inputs)