For a staggering USD 1.78 billion (about Rs 16,706 crore), a group headed by the Aditya Birla Group (ABG) purchased a 100% equity position in the IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru from its present owner, United Spirits Limited on Tuesday.
The alliance also includes the media behemoth Times of India, Bolt Ventures, headed by American investor David Blitzer, BXPE, a company led by Viral Patel, and Blackstone’s perpetual private equity strategy.
“United Spirits Limited, pursuant to the meeting of its Board of Directors, today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements for the sale of the 100 per cent equity stake held in its wholly owned subsidiary Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL) to a consortium,” PTI quoted the USL saying in a statement.
“The consortium comprises Aditya Birla Group (ABG), The Times of India Group (Times), Bolt Ventures (Bolt), and Blackstone’s perpetual private equity strategy, BXPE (Blackstone) for a total consideration of INR 166.6 bn in an all cash transaction,” the statement added.
The men’s and women’s (WPL) teams of RCB are part of the deal.
“RCSPL owns and operates Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchises that participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Premier League (WPL). Upon completion of this transaction, the consortium will, through its ownership of RCSPL, acquire the rights to own and operate the IPL and WPL franchise,” said the USL.
The statement also marked the end of RCSPL’s strategic assessment, which USL had started on November 5, 2025. UK-Diageo subsidiary United Spirits Limited was eager to leave RCB because the team was not essential to their commercial strategies.
Commenting on the transaction, Praveen Someshwar, MD & CEO, USL, said: “This transaction marks an important milestone for USL as we sharpen focus on our core beverage alcohol business to unlock its true potential. RCB has grown into the most prominent and commercially successful franchise in the IPL and WPL.
“We are excited for the future of RCB under the stewardship of the new owner. As Sports enters a new phase of growth in India & globally, we believe this is in the best interest of the franchise and our stakeholders.”
Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group, said, “Over the past 2 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.”
According to the terms of the selling agreement, RCB’s chairman would be Aryaman Vikram Birla, the director of ABG, with Satyan Gajwani of the Times of India serving as his deputy.
Aryaman Birla, said: “It is a privilege to come together in this partnership to shape the next phase of growth for RCB. This partnership brings together a deep understanding of sports, media and consumer businesses.
“Together, we will continue to Play Bold — on the pitch, in the community, and for the fans who make RCB what it is.”
Gajwani, Chairman, Times Internet Limited, said: “RCB is the reigning champion and the most popular brand in the IPL. We will build RCB into a global sporting institution, while remaining rooted in Bengaluru and Karnataka and its incredible fanbase.”
Blitzer wanted to build on the recent success of RCB.
“RCB has a world-class fan base, and the IPL is one of the great growth stories in global sport. Having invested in clubs and leagues around the world, I believe the opportunity at RCB stands out. We look forward to working alongside our partners and the BCCI to build on the franchise’s championship success,” he said.
The RCB is one of the world’s most powerful sports brands, according to Patel.
“We are excited to invest in RCB, building on Blackstone’s long-standing commitment to India. RCB stands out as one of the most popular sports franchises in the world with a powerful brand, a loyal fan base, and multiple avenues for growth,” he added.
However, formalities including ratification from the Competition Commission of India, the BCCI, the IPL Governing Council, and its WPL equivalent are still pending.
