Aditya Birla Group, Times of India Group-led consortium acquires RCB for USD 1.78 billion

A consortium comprising the Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone's perpetual private equity strategy has acquired the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for USD 1.78 billion (approx. INR 16,706 crore).

The consortium has signed a definitive agreement with United Spirits Limited (USL), a subsidiary of Diageo plc, to acquire a 100% stake in RCB, covering both the men's IPL and women's WPL teams.

New Leadership:

• Chairman: Aryaman Vikram Birla (Aditya Birla Group)
• Vice Chairman: Satyan Gajwani (Times of India Group)
• The consortium also includes David Blitzer (Bolt Ventures) and Viral Patel (Blackstone).

The takeover is subject to regulatory approvals from the BCCI and the Competition Commission of India.

Statements from the Consortium:

• Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group: "RCB 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."
• Satyan Gajwani, Times Internet Limited: "We will build RCB into a global sporting institution, while remaining rooted in Bengaluru and its incredible fanbase."
• David Blitzer, Bolt Ventures: "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."
• Viral Patel, Blackstone: "RCB stands out as one of the most popular sports franchises in the world… We look forward to supporting the franchise's enduring legacy."
• Aryaman Birla, incoming Chairman: "It is a privilege to come together in this partnership to shape the next phase of growth for RCB."

Background:
RCB was originally purchased by Vijay Mallya for USD 111.6 million. Control passed to Diageo in 2016. Following a tragic stampede during RCB's 2025 victory celebrations, Diageo faced pressure to divest the non-core asset and announced the sale in November last year.

Statement from the Seller:
Praveen Someshwar, MD & CEO of USL, said the sale allows USL to focus on its core beverage alcohol business. He thanked all stakeholders and expressed excitement for RCB's future under the new owners.