Who owns Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)? The answer changed in 2026. United Spirits Limited (USL), the Indian subsidiary of the British drinks group Diageo, had owned the franchise since the first IPL auction in 2008. In March 2026 it agreed to sell 100% of the team to a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group, in an all-cash deal worth ₹16,660 crore (about US$1.78 billion).
RCB owner at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Teams covered | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (IPL men’s team) and the RCB women’s team in the WPL |
| Company | Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited |
| Previous owner | United Spirits Limited (Diageo group), since 2008 |
| New owners | Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures and Blackstone |
| Deal value | ₹16,660 crore (about US$1.78 billion), all cash |
| Stake sold | 100% |
| Chairman | Aryaman Vikram Birla (Aditya Birla Group) |
| Vice-chairman | Satyan Gajwani (Times Group) |
| Agreement signed | 24 March 2026 |
| Competition Commission of India approval | 30 June 2026 |
| Home ground | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| IPL titles | 2 (2025, 2026) |
Who bought RCB?
On 24 March 2026, the board of United Spirits approved the sale of its entire stake in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited. The buyer is a four-member consortium:
- Aditya Birla Group: leads the consortium. According to ESPNcricinfo, the group will run the franchise through Big Banyan Holdings. Aryaman Vikram Birla becomes chairman of the franchise.
- The Times of India Group (Times Internet): Satyan Gajwani is vice-chairman.
- Bolt Ventures: the investment firm of American investor David Blitzer, who also holds stakes in teams such as Crystal Palace and the Philadelphia 76ers.
- Blackstone: through its BXPE private equity strategy.
The individual shareholding of each consortium member has not been made public.
How much was RCB sold for?
The price is ₹16,660 crore, or roughly US$1.78 billion, and it covers both the IPL team and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) team. For comparison, the franchise was bought for US$111.6 million at the first IPL auction in 2008.
Approval status
The deal needed clearance from the Competition Commission of India (CCI), the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council. The CCI approved the acquisition on 30 June 2026. The BCCI then had to examine the shareholding pattern, bank guarantees and finances before ratifying the sale, a step ESPNcricinfo described as largely a formality. At the time of this update we have not found an official announcement that the transaction has formally closed.
History of RCB ownership
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2008 | United Spirits, then part of Vijay Mallya’s UB Group, buys the Bangalore franchise at the first IPL auction for US$111.6 million. |
| 2010s | Diageo takes control of United Spirits, and RCB becomes part of the Diageo group. Mallya has no role in the franchise any more. |
| March 2024 | The team’s name changes from Royal Challengers Bangalore to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. |
| November 2025 | United Spirits tells the stock exchanges it is carrying out a strategic review of its investment in RCB. |
| March 2026 | Sale agreement with the Aditya Birla-led consortium. |
| June 2026 | CCI approval. |
United Spirits managing director and CEO Praveen Someshwar said the sale would let the company focus on its core alcoholic beverages business.
RCB on the field: back-to-back champions
The change of ownership comes at the most successful time in the franchise’s history. After 17 seasons without a title, RCB won their first IPL in 2025 and defended it in 2026 to become back-to-back champions. The women’s team won the WPL in 2024.
FAQ
Who is the owner of RCB?
Under the March 2026 agreement, RCB is owned by a consortium of the Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures and Blackstone, chaired by Aryaman Vikram Birla. Before that, the team belonged to United Spirits (Diageo).
Does Vijay Mallya still own RCB?
No. Mallya was linked to the team in its early years through United Spirits. The franchise was later controlled by Diageo and has now been sold to the Birla-led consortium.
How much was RCB sold for?
₹16,660 crore, about US$1.78 billion.
Sources: Aditya Birla Group press release, United Spirits stock exchange filings, ESPNcricinfo.
