RCB sold for $1.78 billion as Aditya Birla, TOI, Bolt Ventures & Blackstone take over

Just a few days before the beginning of the Indian Premier League 2026, the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have got their new owners.

According to the Cricbuzz report, Aditya Birla Group (ABG), The Times of India Group (ToI), Bolt Ventures (Bolt), and Blackstone's perpetual private equity strategy (BXPE, Blackstone) have jointly bought the RCB for USD 1.78 billion, which is close to INR 16,700 crore. 

The 100 percent acquisition means that the new owners will be involved not only in the RCB team in the IPL, but also in the WPL team of RCB Women. 

See Also: Rajasthan Royals sold to Kal Somani-led US consortium for ₹15,000+ crore

Royal Challengers Bengaluru ownership changes in massive IPL deal 

During the inaugural season of the IPL, Vijay Mallya, then chairman of the United Spirits Limited (USL), bought for USD 111.6 million. Later, in 2016, while Mallya left the post, UK-based Diageo took control of the team, following taking control of the USL. 

Now, RCB have got the new owners, after winning their first trophy, as they won the IPL 2025 title after beating Punjab Kings in the Final by six runs. 

Details of Aditya Birla Group, TOI Group, Bolt Ventures & Blackstone consortium

The Director at the Aditya Birla Group, Aryaman Vikram Birla, will serve as the Chairman of RCB. Meanwhile, Satyan Gajwani, the Times Internet Chairman, is set for the Vice-Chairman role for RCB. 

David Blitzer, the founder of Bolt Ventures, and Viral Patel, CEO of BXPE, are also in the franchise consortium.

Fans react to one of the biggest franchise acquisitions in IPL history