In a significant development for Indian Premier League (IPL) fans, Vijay Mallya has officially sold the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 26, 2026. The sale marks a pivotal moment in the franchise’s history, as it transitions from Mallya’s ownership to a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group.

The deal, valued at an astonishing INR 16,660 crore, is now recognized as the biggest transaction in IPL history. Mallya, who originally purchased RCB in 2008 for INR 450 crore, expressed his sentiments about the team, stating, “RCB will always remain a part of my DNA.” This emotional farewell highlights the deep connection he has with the franchise.

The consortium acquiring RCB includes notable entities such as The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone, marking a significant shift in the franchise’s management and strategic direction. The sale was executed as an all-cash transaction, with United Spirits Limited selling 100 percent equity in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL).

As of now, the sale is pending regulatory approvals from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Competition Commission of India. These approvals are crucial for finalizing the ownership transition and ensuring compliance with league regulations.

Mallya congratulated the new owners, saying, “I would like to heartily congratulate the new owners of RCB,” signaling a smooth transition and his hopes for the franchise’s future under new leadership.

This sequence of events is significant not only for Mallya but also for the IPL and its stakeholders. The record sale price reflects the growing commercial value of cricket in India and sets a precedent for future franchise transactions.

The implications of this sale extend beyond mere financial figures; it represents a new era for RCB, which has yet to secure an IPL title despite its popularity. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the new ownership influences the team’s performance and strategy moving forward.

As the cricketing community awaits further updates, the excitement surrounding RCB’s future is palpable. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for the regulatory approvals, but the anticipation for the next chapter in RCB’s history is already building.

This sale not only reshapes the ownership landscape of RCB but also underscores the dynamic nature of sports business in India, where franchises are increasingly viewed as valuable assets.

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In a significant development for cricket fans, Amrit Thomas has officially become the chairman of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as of March 28, 2026, following the financial scandals that plagued former owner Vijay Mallya.

The acquisition of RCB by a consortium including the Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone marks a historic moment, with the franchise valued at a staggering $1.78 billion (approximately INR 166.6 billion). This sale underscores the growing financial clout of cricket franchises in India.

Vijay Mallya, who originally purchased RCB in 2008 for INR 450 crores, faced significant backlash due to his financial mismanagement, leading to his exit from the franchise. His tenure saw the team struggle for success, although they finally clinched their first IPL trophy in 2025, becoming the defending champions in 2026.

As RCB prepares for the IPL 2026 season opener at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the atmosphere is charged with excitement. Rajat Patidar, the current captain, leads the team into a new era under Thomas’s leadership.

Vijay Mallya expressed mixed feelings about the sale, stating, “When I bought the franchise in 2008 for INR 450 crores, most people laughed at me and criticized my investment as a vanity project.” His vision, however, has now culminated in a record-breaking sale.

In a statement reflecting on the transition, Mallya noted, “The Day has arrived for our Lions of Bengaluru…namma sinhagulu…IPL Champions. Good Luck and Play Bold…Dhairyadinda ațavadi.” This sentiment resonates with fans who have long awaited a championship win.

The new ownership group is expected to bring fresh investment and strategic direction to RCB, aiming to build on the momentum of their recent success. As the IPL season kicks off, the focus will be on how Thomas and his team will navigate the challenges ahead.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific plans for RCB under the new ownership, but the cricketing community is eager to see how this change will impact the franchise’s future.

With the IPL 2026 season underway, all eyes will be on RCB as they defend their title and seek to solidify their place among the elite teams in Indian cricket.

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In a significant financial development, the Indian government is reportedly considering an Offer for Sale (OFS) option for the stake sale of IDBI Bank. This move comes amid ongoing efforts to enhance the bank’s capital structure and attract investment, although specific timelines for the sale have yet to be disclosed.

Meanwhile, Waaree Energies has made headlines by approving a capital expenditure of Rs. 3,900 crores for the establishment of a new glass manufacturing plant. This investment is part of Waaree’s broader strategy to expand its operations and increase its stake in Waaree Transpower Private Limited from 64.04% to 75.10%. The company aims to bolster its position in the renewable energy sector, reflecting a growing trend towards sustainable energy solutions.

In another major transaction, United Spirits Limited has announced the sale of its entire 100% equity stake in Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd, a move that has stirred considerable interest in the sports and beverage industries. The total consideration for this sale is set at an impressive INR 166.6 billion, highlighting the lucrative nature of sports franchises in India.

The acquiring consortium for Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd includes prominent players such as the Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone. This diverse group of investors underscores the increasing value placed on sports properties in the Indian market, as they seek to capitalize on the growing popularity of cricket and other sports.

The transaction is currently subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, which means that while the deal is poised to reshape the landscape of sports investments, details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for completion.

These developments come on the heels of a strategic review initiated by United Spirits Limited on November 5, 2025, aimed at reassessing the company’s portfolio and identifying potential growth avenues. The decision to divest from Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd aligns with this strategic vision, allowing United Spirits to focus on its core beverage business while unlocking significant capital.

As the market reacts to these announcements, stakeholders are keenly observing how these transactions will influence the financial landscape in India. The implications of the IDBI Bank stake sale and the acquisition of Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd are expected to resonate across various sectors, particularly in finance and sports.

In summary, the recent stake-related developments involving IDBI Bank and United Spirits Limited mark a critical juncture in India’s investment landscape, reflecting broader trends in capital allocation and strategic realignment among major corporations.

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In a landmark move for the Indian Premier League (IPL), United Spirits Ltd. has sold the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for approximately $1.8 billion. This sale marks a significant milestone in IPL history, with RCB’s valuation estimated at ₹18,776 crores (around $2 billion).

The previous highest sale values in the league were the Gujarat Titans at about $900 million and the Rajasthan Royals at $1.63 billion. This new valuation underscores the growing financial clout of IPL franchises.

A consortium that includes the Aditya Birla Group and Blackstone played a crucial role in this high-stakes transaction. As part of the deal, the buyers will pay a 5% commission to the BCCI, further solidifying the financial ecosystem surrounding the league.

In addition to the sale of RCB, 540 crores have been allocated for the establishment of a Women’s Premier League team, highlighting the IPL’s commitment to expanding its reach and inclusivity.

The deal is expected to be finalized within six months, pending approvals from the Competition Commission of India and the BCCI. This timeline reflects the regulatory landscape that often accompanies such high-profile transactions.

The sale indicates a strategic shift for Diageo, focusing more on its beverage alcohol business while divesting from sports franchises. Observers are keenly watching how this move will affect the future dynamics of the IPL.

However, uncertainties linger regarding the future revenue growth from media rights, which may slow down due to potential decreases in per-match revenue. Additionally, the impact of regulatory delays or integration issues on the excitement surrounding the sale remains unclear.

Details remain unconfirmed as stakeholders await further developments in this evolving story.

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In a landmark development for Indian cricket, the Aditya Birla Group, alongside The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone, has acquired 100% of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) from United Spirits Ltd. The transaction, which took place on March 25, 2026, is valued at an astonishing US$1.78 billion (approximately ₹16,660 crore), making it the most expensive IPL franchise sold to date.

The acquisition marks a significant shift in ownership for RCB, which has been a prominent team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception. Aryaman Vikram Birla will take the helm as chairman of RCB, with Satyan Gajwani stepping in as vice-chairman. This leadership transition is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the franchise.

The deal not only includes full ownership of RCB but also extends to the Women’s Premier League (WPL) team, reflecting the consortium’s commitment to enhancing the franchise’s profile in both men’s and women’s cricket. The acquisition is currently pending customary closing conditions, including approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL governing council.

This acquisition follows a strategic review initiated by United Spirits in November 2025, which aimed to refocus the company on its core beverage business. The move to sell RCB allows United Spirits to streamline its operations while handing over the reins to a consortium that has expressed pride in becoming custodians of the franchise.

Historically, United Spirits had submitted a winning bid of $111.6 million (approximately ₹485 crore) to acquire RCB back in 2008. The franchise has since been a significant player in the IPL, boasting a dedicated fanbase and a rich history, although it has yet to clinch the coveted IPL title despite its two appearances in the finals.

The IPL itself has seen a meteoric rise, with its total value pegged at USD 18.5 billion according to investment bank Houlihan Lokey. The consortium’s acquisition of RCB is seen as a strategic investment, tapping into the growing popularity of cricket in India and globally.

In response to the acquisition, Kumar Mangalam Birla stated, “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.” Aryaman Vikram Birla added, “It is a privilege to come together in this partnership to shape the next phase of growth for RCB.” Meanwhile, David Blitzer remarked on RCB’s world-class fanbase, emphasizing the IPL’s status as a significant growth story in global sport.

This acquisition is set to reshape the landscape of the IPL, with the consortium committed to elevating RCB to new heights. As the cricketing world watches closely, the implications of this deal will unfold in the coming months, pending the necessary approvals. Details remain unconfirmed.

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