A consortium led by India’s premier business conglomerate Aditya Birla Group acquired a 100% equity stake in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, an Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket franchise, on 24 March. The acquisition was made from the team’s previous owner, United Spirits Limited, for a staggering $1.78 billion (approximately Rs 16,706 crore).
Other participants in the consortium include Blackstone’s perpetual private equity platform BXPE, Bolt Ventures owned by American investor David Blitzer, and India’s leading media group Times of India Group.
In a statement, United Spirits Limited said that following a meeting of its Board of Directors, it had entered into definitive agreements for the sale of the 100% equity stake held in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), to the consortium.
Founded in 2008, coinciding with the launch of the IPL, a popular 20-overs-per-side cricket tournament, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the IPL trophy for the first time in 2025.
Brief Analysis:
This acquisition highlights the rising commercial value of IPL franchises. With significant corporate investment, the team’s brand value, business operations, and international reach are expected to strengthen considerably in the coming years.
IPL franchise RCB bought by consortium led by Aditya Birla Group for $1.78b
