RCB sold for Tk 21850 crore, major shift under new ownership

One of the founding franchises of the Indian Premier League, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has been acquired by a consortium of investors for around $1.8 billion, equivalent to approximately Tk 21,850 crore. The group includes US-based asset management giant Blackstone along with several other major corporate entities. The announcement, made just days before the start of the lucrative T20 tournament, has created a buzz in the cricketing world.

The franchise was sold by United Spirits Limited, the Indian unit of British beverage giant Diageo, for 166.6 billion rupees (around $1.77 billion). The acquiring consortium said it is proud to take over RCB and is committed to taking the team to new heights both on and off the field.

In addition to Blackstone, the investor group includes Bolt Ventures—run by sports investor David Blitzer—India’s Times of India Group, and the Aditya Birla Group. They see RCB’s championship-winning culture, its deep connection with Bengaluru, and one of the most passionate fanbases in world sport as a major opportunity.

Praveen Someshwar, CEO of United Spirits Limited, described the deal as a milestone that will allow the company to focus more on its core beverage business and unlock sustainable growth.

Meanwhile, just hours after the sale announcement, RCB said it will leave 11 seats empty at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in memory of fans who lost their lives in a stampede during last year’s title celebrations.

In June last year, a day after defeating Punjab Kings in the final and returning home for a trophy parade, 11 supporters aged between 14 and 29 were killed in a crush outside the stadium.

Notably, earlier this year, RCB’s women’s team also won their second Women’s Premier League title, continuing the club’s recent success.