RCB franchise sold for $1.78 billion! Aditya Birla & TOI Group Take Over in Record-Breaking Deal

The landscape of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has just witnessed a seismic shift. In what is being described as one of the largest “all-cash” deals in the history of global sports franchises, Royal Challengers Bengaluru RCB franchise sold for $1.78 billion (approximately INR 16,660 crore).

United Spirits Limited (USL), the long-standing owner of the franchise, officially announced the transition of ownership to a powerful new consortium. This group brings together some of the biggest names in Indian and global business: the Aditya Birla Group, the Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone’s BXPE.

A Valuation That Defies Expectations

To put this $1.78 billion figure into perspective, one must look at the 2021 expansion of the IPL. Back then, the BCCI sold two new franchises—Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans—for a combined total of roughly $1.69 billion (INR 12,715 crore). RCB, a single franchise, has now commanded a price tag that exceeds both of those teams combined.

This valuation reflects the immense brand equity RCB has built over nearly two decades. Despite the long wait for a men’s trophy that ended recently, the “Play Bold” philosophy has fostered a digital footprint and a fan loyalty program that is arguably the most valuable in the cricketing world.

The Strategic Exit of Diageo

The sale marks the end of an era for Diageo, the global beverage giant that owns USL. In late 2025, Diageo signaled a “strategic review” of its investment in the sports sector, eventually concluding that cricket was a “non-core” area for their primary business of alcohol and beverages.

The goal was to exit the sports market by the end of the first quarter of 2026. By selling the franchise while both the Men’s and Women’s teams are reigning champions, Diageo has managed to exit at the absolute peak of the franchise’s commercial and competitive value.

Who Are the New Custodians?

The new ownership structure is a mix of heritage Indian business houses and global private equity muscle.

Aryaman Birla (Chairman): In a move that bridges the gap between the boardroom and the cricket field, Aryaman Birla will lead the consortium. A former professional cricketer himself—having represented Madhya Pradesh and been a member of the Rajasthan Royals squad—Aryaman brings an athlete’s perspective to the ownership.
Satyan Gajwani (Vice-Chairman): Representing the Times of India Group, Gajwani’s involvement signals a massive push toward media integration and digital growth for the RCB brand.
Global Partners: The inclusion of Blackstone (BXPE) and Bolt Ventures ensures that the franchise will have access to international sports management best practices and deep financial reserves.

From 2008 to 2026: A Journey of Growth

The financial trajectory of RCB is a mirror of India’s booming sports economy. In 2008, during the inaugural IPL auction, the team was purchased by Vijay Mallya’s United Breweries Group for USD 111.6 million. At the time, it was the second-most expensive team in the league.

Fast forward to 2023, and the owners showed their commitment to the brand by bidding INR 901 crore (approx. USD 110 million) to secure the Bengaluru franchise in the WPL. Today, with a valuation of $1.78 billion, the franchise has grown nearly 16 times its original value in 18 years and RCB franchise sold for $1.78 billion.

What Happens Next?

While the deal has been approved by the USL board, two major hurdles remain before the keys are officially handed over. The transaction must be ratified by:

The BCCI: To ensure the new owners meet the “fit and proper” criteria of the league.
Competition Commission of India (CCI): To ensure the deal complies with national fair-trade regulations.

Once these approvals are in place, the consortium will take over the day-to-day operations of both the IPL and WPL teams.

The Legacy of ‘Play Bold’

In a joint statement, the consortium expressed deep respect for the existing culture of the team. “RCB’s championship-winning culture, its deep connection to Bengaluru, and one of the most passionate fanbases in world sport make this an extraordinary opportunity,” the group stated. They have committed to taking the team to “new heights,” not just in terms of winning trophies but also in expanding the brand globally.

Praveen Someshwar, MD and CEO of USL, noted that this move is in the best interest of all stakeholders. As sports consumption in India moves into a high-growth phase, having owners with a dedicated focus on sports and media will likely propel RCB into the top tier of global sports entities, alongside the likes of Real Madrid or the New York Yankees.

For the fans in Bengaluru, the message remains the same: the ownership may change, but the spirit of “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” has now evolved into a legacy of “Cup Namde.”

Also Read : Rajasthan Royals sold for over ₹15,000 crore, becoming the most expensive IPL franchise ever!