Aditya Birla-Led consortium acquires Royal Challengers Bengaluru for record $1.78 billion

The consortium, which also includes the Times of India Group, David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures, and US-based Blackstone, acquired a 100% stake from United Spirits Limited, a subsidiary of UK-based Diageo plc.

Aryaman Vikram Birla will serve as chairman of RCB, while Satyan Gajwani will be vice chairman.

Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, said, “RCB offers us a distinctive platform to extend our legacy into global sport. We are delighted to become custodians of this asset and committed to building its extraordinary legacy.”

Gajwani added, “RCB is the reigning champion and the most popular brand in the IPL. Together with our partners, we aim to develop RCB into a global sporting institution while staying rooted in Bengaluru and Karnataka and supporting the players, coaches, and fans who built this championship-winning culture.”

This acquisition follows the $1.63 billion purchase of Rajasthan Royals by a US-based consortium led by Kal Somani, which included Walmart heir Rob Walton and the Ford Hamp family.

The deal underscores the increasing valuation of IPL franchises as global sporting and commercial assets.