A consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group, Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Royal Challengers Bengaluru for USD 1.78 billion (approximately INR 16,706 crore). The deal involves a 100 percent stake purchase from United Spirits Limited, a subsidiary of UK-based Diageo plc.
The acquisition covers both the men’s IPL and women’s WPL teams. Aryaman Vikram Birla will serve as Chairman, and Satyan Gajwani of the Times of India Group takes on the Vice Chairman role under the new ownership structure.
Who Are the New Owners of RCB
Four major business groups form the consortium behind the blockbuster deal.
- Aditya Birla Group (ABG), led by Kumar Mangalam Birla, brings decades of institution-building experience across industries
- Times of India Group, represented by Satyan Gajwani of Times Internet Limited, adds deep media and digital expertise
- Bolt Ventures, founded by David Blitzer, brings global sports investment experience across clubs and leagues worldwide
- Blackstone’s perpetual private equity strategy (BXPE), led by CEO Viral Patel, adds financial muscle and a long-standing commitment to India
What Did the New Owners Say About the Deal
Kumar Mangalam Birla called RCB one of the most compelling franchises in modern sport. He described the IPL as a global sporting powerhouse that has changed the face of Indian cricket.
Gajwani stressed the group’s commitment to keeping RCB rooted in Bengaluru and Karnataka while building it into a global sporting institution. He also pledged support to the players, coaches, and leadership team who built the championship-winning culture.
Blitzer praised RCB’s world-class fanbase and called the IPL one of the great growth stories in global sport. Patel highlighted Blackstone’s long-standing commitment to India and called RCB one of the most popular sports franchises in the world.
What Happens Next for RCB
The takeover remains subject to several regulatory approvals before completion.
- BCCI approval as the governing body of IPL and WPL
- Competition Commission of India clearance
- Other applicable regulatory authorities
The timing of the deal adds extra significance. RCB won their maiden IPL title in 2025 and entered the new season as defending champions. The franchise takes the field on Saturday, March 28, against Sunrisers Hyderabad at M Chinnaswamy Stadium just days after the ownership change.
New chairman Aryaman Birla called it a privilege to shape RCB’s next phase of growth and promised the consortium will continue to Play Bold on the pitch, in the community, and for the fans.
