A group of investors led by the Aditya Birla Group, Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone has acquired Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) from United Spirits Limited (owned by Diageo Plc) for $1.78 billion — one of the largest franchise deals in the history of cricket. The deal includes both the IPL and WPL (Women's Premier League) teams. Aryaman Vikram Birla, son of Kumar Mangalam Birla, will take over as the team's new chairman. The sale was completed ahead of IPL 2026, which begins today on March 28. Similarly, the Rajasthan Royals have been sold to a US-based consortium for $1.635 billion. These massive valuations reflect the explosive commercial growth of the IPL, which has become one of the most valuable sports leagues globally. The IPL's brand value and media rights revenues have grown exponentially over the past decade, with the 2023 broadcast deal valued at over $6 billion for five years. RCB, captained by Virat Kohli, are the defending champions of IPL 2025.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Sold to Aditya Birla Group-Led Consortium for $1.78 Billion
RCB sold for $1.78 billion to Aditya Birla Group-led consortium ahead of IPL 2026. Aryaman Vikram Birla becomes new chairman. Rajasthan Royals also sold for $1.635 billion.
Key facts
- Aditya Birla Group, Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone acquired RCB from United Spirits Limited (Diageo Plc) for $1.78 billion, including both IPL and WPL teams.
- Aryaman Vikram Birla, son of Kumar Mangalam Birla, will take over as RCB's new chairman.
- Rajasthan Royals were sold to a US-based consortium for $1.635 billion.
- The IPL's 2023 broadcast deal was valued at over $6 billion for five years, reflecting explosive commercial growth.
- RCB, captained by Virat Kohli, are the defending champions of IPL 2025.
Mains angle
Q: Discuss the commercial significance of IPL franchise valuations reaching record levels, referencing the sales of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals.
Answer (50 words):
An Aditya Birla Group-led consortium acquired Royal Challengers Bengaluru for $1.78 billion from Diageo's United Spirits, covering IPL and WPL teams, with Aryaman Vikram Birla as chairman. Rajasthan Royals sold for $1.635 billion to a US-based consortium. These record valuations reflect IPL's explosive growth, its 2023 broadcast deal exceeding $6 billion.
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For how much was Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) sold to the Aditya Birla Group-led consortium ahead of IPL 2026?
RCB was sold to the Aditya Birla Group, Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone consortium for $1.78 billion from United Spirits Limited (Diageo Plc). The deal includes both IPL and WPL teams. Note: Rajasthan Royals were sold separately for $1.635 billion.
Source: News24
Frequently asked questions
Who acquired Royal Challengers Bengaluru and for what amount?
A group of investors led by the Aditya Birla Group, Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone acquired Royal Challengers Bengaluru. They bought RCB from United Spirits Limited for $1.78 billion.
Which teams and leadership change were included in the RCB deal?
The RCB deal includes both the IPL and WPL teams. Aryaman Vikram Birla, son of Kumar Mangalam Birla, will take over as the team's new chairman.
How does the article compare the RCB and Rajasthan Royals sales?
The article says the RCB acquisition is one of the largest franchise deals in cricket history. It also says the Rajasthan Royals were sold to a US-based consortium for $1.635 billion.
What does the article say about IPL growth and RCB's 2025 status?
The article says the IPL's brand value and media rights revenues have grown exponentially over the past decade, with the 2023 broadcast deal valued at over $6 billion for five years. It also says RCB, captained by Virat Kohli, are the defending champions of IPL 2025.
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