Watch: Who is Aryaman Birla? Know Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) new owner ahead of IPL 2026

The Indian and global business entities have taken over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a blockbuster all-cash deal for the value of USD 1.78 billion (nearly INR 16660 crore), which has marked one of the most expensive franchise acquisitions in the history of the game. The United Spirits Limited (USL), which is the owner of the RCB side in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Premier League (WPL), has confirmed the agreement. 

The buying group includes the Aditya Birla Group, Blackstone’s perpetual private equity arm BXPE, the Bolt ventures led by David Blitzer, and the media conglomerate Times of India Group.  The deal is subject to approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

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Following this approval, the consortium will formally assume control of the franchise. In a key announcement, Aryaman Birla has been named the new chairman of the IPL 2025 champions, as the Rajat Patidar-led side will begin their campaign in the IPL 2027 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. 

Know former RR player who buys RCB ahead of IPL 2027

Aryaman is the son of Billionaire industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla, pursued a professional cricketing career before coming into the business. At 17, he left Mumbai for chances in Madhya Pradesh cricket, having gained experience in England with West Hampstead Cricket Club and the London Schools Cricket under Middlesex cricketer, Paul Weekes.

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Aryaman’s domestic breakthrough came in 2017 with his debut in the Ranji Trophy, after which he had impressed in the CK Nayudu Trophy, topping the run charts with 602 runs at an average of 75.25, thanks to three centuries in nine innings. Across the nine first-class games, eight of them in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy, he showed lots of promise.

“It is a privilege to come together in this partnership to shape the next phase of growth for RCB. Together, we will continue to Play Bold, on the pitch, in the community, and for the fans who make RCB what it is.” He said in a statement on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru side. 

Who is RCB's new owner- Aryaman Birla- of IPL 2026?

Aryaman was picked by the Rajasthan Royals in 2018 but didn’t feature in a game across the two seasons. In December 2019, at the age of just 22, he declared an indefinite break from the game due to the anxiety related to the sport. He moved into the corporate world, taking on leadership roles with the Aditya Birla Group.

Aryaman serves on the board of the Aditya Birla Management Corporation and has directorship roles in the key group companies, including Grasim Industries and Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail. Seven years after stepping away from professional cricket, he returns to the sport in a leadership capacity.