Aditya Birla Group- led alliance acquired RCB for Rs.16600 crore

An alliance led by the Aditya Birla Group has acquired the 100% stakes of RCB for approximately Rs. 16600 crore ($1.78 billion) on March 24, 2026. This alliance include Aditya Birla Group (Led by Aryaman Vikram Birla), Times of India Group, Blackstone’s perpetual private equity strategy and Bolt Ventures.

This deal was made between United Spirits Limited (USL), the previous owner of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) men’s (IPL) and women’s (WPL) teams, and the aforementioned alliance.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is one of the most popular franchises in the IPL, and this acquisition brings new opportunities for overall growth, strategic expansion, and brand development.

Aryaman Vikram Birla from Aditya Birla Group is the new chairman of the RCB team, and Satyan Gajwani from The Times of India is the wise chairman of the franchise. It is the highest valued accusation in IPL history.    

About the Consortium

Aditya Birla Group: Aditya Birla Group is one of India’s largest and most respected business groups, with a business expansion in over 40 countries and has a legacy of 165 years. Hindalco Industries, UltraTech Cement, Birla Carbon, Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, Peter England, and Aditya Birla Capital are the brands and subsidiaries managed by the Aditya Birla Group.

The Times of India Group: The Times of India Group is one of India’s largest media houses and operates in the areas of news and cricket. Cricbuzz (the world’s leading cricket platform), The Times of India (TOI), The Economic Times (ET), Navbharat Times, and Times Now are well managed by the TOI group.

Bolt Ventures: Bolt Ventures is a private and most prominent sports investor in the world, and also provides capital to growing IT, gaming, and Technology companies. They have ownership stakes in Crystal Palace F.C. (EPL), the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), the Washington Commanders (NFL), the Cleveland Guardians (MLB), and Real Salt Lake (MLS).

Blackstone: Blackstone is the world’s biggest asset management company and manages $1.3 trillion in assets. Blackstone Investment also focuses on the areas of real estate, private equity, infrastructure and life sciences.