A major event ahead of the IPL 2026 season has caught the attention of the cricketing world, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru reportedly being sold in a deal valued at USD 1.78 billion (around ₹16,660 crore). The transaction ranks among the most significant franchise sales in the league’s history.
Previously owned by United Spirits Limited, the franchise has now come under the control of a consortium that includes the Aditya Birla Group, the Times of India Group, global investor David Blitzer through Bolt Ventures, and private equity firm Blackstone. The agreement transfers complete ownership of both men’s and women’s (IPL and WPL) teams to the new group.
Commenting on the acquisition, Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla highlighted the broader significance of the IPL and the franchise’s stature within global sport. “Over the past two decades, the IPL has morphed to become a global sporting powerhouse that has changed the face of Indian cricket, creating enormous value for India. 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. We are delighted to become custodians of this asset and committed to further building this extraordinary legacy,” he said in a statement.
Previous Name Update
The franchise had already undergone a name adjustment prior to IPL 2024. In that year, it officially transitioned from Royal Challengers Bangalore to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, aligning with the city’s updated official name. The announcement was made during the ‘RCB Unbox’ event.
Speculation Over Another Name Change
Following the recent ownership change, speculation emerged regarding the possibility of another rebranding. The ‘Royal Challengers’ identity has long been synonymous with the team, and fans have been keen to know whether the new consortium would consider altering it.
Recent indications suggest that the existing name is likely to remain intact. Ananya Birla provided a notable hint by sharing a social media story indicating that the franchise name would not change.
There are also practical considerations linked to the decision. Reports suggest that the consortium has acquired trademark rights associated with the team’s branding. In addition, the franchise has developed strong brand recognition and commercial value over nearly two decades, making continuity a logical business approach.
Team Structure for IPL 2026
Despite the ownership shift, the squad’s overall setup appears stable. Reports indicate that the coaching and support staff are expected to continue in their roles for the IPL 2026 season.
