Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is one of the biggest franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), boasting millions of fans worldwide. Following the team’s historic IPL success, another major headline emerged in 2026 the ownership of RCB changed hands in one of the most expensive franchise deals in cricket history.
If you’re searching for “RCB owner name 2026”, this guide explains the latest ownership, company details, ownership history, franchise value, and everything else you should know.
Who Is the Owner of RCB in 2026?
As of 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is being acquired by a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group, along with:
- Aditya Birla Group (ABG)
- The Times of India Group
- Bolt Ventures
- Blackstone (BXPE)
The consortium signed a definitive agreement to purchase 100% ownership of Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL) from United Spirits Limited (USL), a subsidiary of Diageo. The acquisition includes both the men’s IPL team and the women’s WPL franchise. The transaction was announced in March 2026 and is subject to the customary regulatory approvals.
RCB Owner Name 2026 – Quick Overview
| Details | Information |
| Team Name | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) |
| Short Name | IPL |
| League | Indian Premier League (IPL) |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Home Ground | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Current Ownership (2026) | Consortium led by Aditya Birla Group |
| Other Consortium Members | Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, Blackstone |
| Previous Owner | United Spirits Limited (Diageo) |
| Parent Company Earlier | Royal Challengers Sports Pvt. Ltd. |
| Deal Announcement | March 2026 |
| Franchise Type | IPL & WPL Teams |
| Team Colors | Red & Black |
Who Owned RCB Before 2026?
For many years, RCB was owned by United Spirits Limited (USL), India’s leading beverage company and a subsidiary of global drinks giant Diageo.
The franchise was originally purchased in 2008 under the ownership of businessman Vijay Mallya, who controlled United Spirits at the time. After Diageo acquired control of United Spirits, RCB also came under Diageo’s ownership.
In 2026, Diageo decided to exit the cricket franchise business by selling its entire stake in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited.
Why Did Diageo Sell RCB?
Industry experts believe several business factors contributed to the sale:
- Focus on core beverage business
- Unlocking enormous franchise value
- Increasing global investor interest in IPL teams
- Rising franchise valuations
- Opportunity to monetize a premium sports asset
According to the official announcement, the transaction valued the business at approximately ₹16,660 crore, making it one of the biggest franchise sales in cricket history.
Who Are the New RCB Owners?
1. Aditya Birla Group
The Aditya Birla Group is one of India’s largest multinational conglomerates, operating in sectors including metals, cement, financial services, telecom, retail, fashion, chemicals, and more. The group is leading the RCB ownership consortium.
Key Facts
| Particular | Details |
| Company | Aditya Birla Group |
| Country | India |
| Founded | 1857 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai |
| Business Sectors | Cement, Telecom, Metals, Financial Services, Retail |
| Role in RCB | Lead Investor |
2. Times of India Group
The Times Group is India’s largest media company and brings strong expertise in media, sports marketing, digital platforms, and fan engagement.
3. Bolt Ventures
Bolt Ventures is an international sports investment firm associated with investor David Blitzer, who has interests in multiple global sports franchises.
4. Blackstone (BXPE)
Blackstone’s perpetual private equity strategy (BXPE) joined the consortium to provide long-term financial backing and strategic investment expertise.
RCB Ownership History
| Year | Owner |
| 2008 | Vijay Mallya (United Spirits) |
| 2013–2015 | Diageo acquires control of United Spirits |
| 2016–2025 | United Spirits Limited (Diageo) |
| 2026 | Consortium led by Aditya Birla Group (announced acquisition) |
How Much Was RCB Sold For?
The acquisition of Royal Challengers Bengaluru was valued at approximately:
| Currency | Amount |
| Indian Rupees | ₹16,660 Crore |
| US Dollars | Around $1.78 Billion |
This made RCB one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world at the time of the deal.
Who Is the Chairman of RCB in 2026?
Following the ownership announcement:
| Position | Name |
| Chairman | Aryaman Vikram Birla |
| Vice Chairman | Satyan Gajwani |
The new leadership is expected to focus on strengthening RCB’s commercial growth, fan engagement, and long-term sporting success.
Why Is RCB One of the Most Valuable IPL Teams?
Several factors have helped RCB become one of the richest franchises in the IPL:
- Massive nationwide fan base
- Virat Kohli’s long association
- Strong sponsorship portfolio
- High merchandise sales
- Excellent digital engagement
- Premium brand partnerships
- Consistently high television viewership
- Strong commercial revenue
These strengths have significantly boosted the franchise’s valuation over the years.
Does Vijay Mallya Still Own RCB?
No.
Many fans still associate Vijay Mallya with RCB because he launched the franchise in 2008. However, he has had no ownership role for several years.
Ownership first shifted to United Spirits under Diageo, and in 2026, Diageo announced the sale of the franchise to the new consortium.
Will the Team Name Change?
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding a change to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru name. The new owners have indicated their focus is on growing the franchise and its fan experience rather than altering its identity.
Interesting Facts About RCB Ownership
- RCB was among the original eight IPL franchises launched in 2008.
- The franchise has changed ownership only once since Diageo took control through United Spirits.
- The 2026 sale ranks among the biggest transactions in cricket history.
- The acquisition includes both the men’s IPL team and the women’s WPL team.
- The new ownership combines expertise from business, media, sports investment, and private equity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the owner of RCB in 2026?
RCB is being acquired by a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group, along with the Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone, following the announced sale by United Spirits Limited.
Who owned RCB before 2026?
Before the announced acquisition, RCB was owned by United Spirits Limited (USL), a subsidiary of Diageo.
Is Vijay Mallya still the owner of RCB?
No. Vijay Mallya is no longer associated with the ownership of Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
How much was RCB sold for?
The announced transaction is valued at approximately ₹16,660 crore (around $1.78 billion).
Does the new ownership include the women’s team?
Yes. The acquisition covers both the IPL men’s team and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) franchise.
Conclusion
The RCB owner name in 2026 marks a significant milestone in IPL history. After nearly two decades under United Spirits and Diageo, Royal Challengers Bengaluru is entering a new era under a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group, alongside the Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone. With one of the highest franchise valuations ever seen in cricket and fresh strategic leadership, RCB appears well-positioned for continued growth both on and off the field.
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