Consortium Buys Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹16,706 Crore in Major IPL Deal
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), one of the Indian Premier League’s most high-profile franchises, has been sold by Diageo-owned United Spirits to a consortium of investors for approximately ₹16,706 crore, according to details released on Wednesday.
The deal, which includes both the men’s IPL team and the women’s Women’s Premier League (WPL) side, is set to take effect after the IPL 2026 season, marking one of the largest franchise transactions in the league’s history.
The acquisition underscores the continued surge in valuations of cricket franchises in India, driven by strong media rights, sponsorship revenues and expanding global investor interest in the IPL ecosystem.
The buying consortium includes Aditya Birla Group, Times of India Group represented by Satyan Gajwani, Bolt Ventures led by David Blitzer, and private equity giant Blackstone, sources familiar with the deal said.
Officials involved in the transaction said the agreement reflects the growing commercial strength of franchise cricket. “This is among the biggest deals in IPL history and signals sustained investor confidence in the league’s long-term growth,” a person aware of the development said.
RCB has remained one of the most followed teams in the IPL despite not winning a title in the men’s competition, with a strong fan base and consistent brand value driven by star players and commercial partnerships.
Industry analysts said the inclusion of both men’s and women’s teams in the deal reflects the rising prominence of the WPL, which has rapidly gained traction since its launch, attracting sponsors and global audiences.
Market reaction to the deal is expected to be closely watched, particularly in the context of sports investments by conglomerates and private equity firms seeking long-term returns from media and entertainment assets.
Fans expressed mixed reactions on social media, with some welcoming new ownership as an opportunity for renewed strategy, while others voiced concerns over changes in management and team identity.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, previously owned by United Spirits, has been a key IPL franchise since the league’s inception in 2008, playing its home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
The IPL, widely regarded as the world’s most valuable cricket league, has seen a steady rise in franchise valuations over the past decade, with increased international interest and multi-billion-dollar broadcasting deals reshaping the sport’s financial landscape. [KNT]
