RCB Sold for Rs 16,660 Crore: Aditya Birla Group-Led Consortium Acquires Royal Challengers Bengaluru from USL

United Spirits Limited (USL), one of India's leading alcoholic beverage companies announced the sale of its Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) through the divestment of its wholly owned subsidiary, Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL).

RCB Sold: United Spirits Sells Royal Challengers Bangalore Franchise to Aditya Birla Group-Led Consortium

The transaction, valued at Rs 16,660 crore, will see a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group acquire 100% stake in the entity in an all-cash deal.

Who are the New Owners of RCB?

The acquiring consortium comprises the Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures and Blackstone's private equity arm (BXPE). With this acquisition, the consortium will gain full ownership and operational rights of the RCB franchises, which participate in both the IPL and the Women's Premier League (WPL).

The deal marks the conclusion of a strategic review initiated by USL in November 2025 to evaluate the future of its sports business. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals, including clearances from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Competition Commission of India (CCI), along with other customary closing conditions.

Commenting on the development, USL Managing Director and CEO Praveen Someshwar said the move represents a significant milestone as the company sharpens its focus on its core alcoholic beverages business.

"This transaction marks an important milestone for USL as we sharpen focus on our core beverage alcohol business to unlock its true potential with sustained growth, and to continue delivering on long-term value creation for our stakeholders," he said.

He also highlighted RCB's journey, noting that the franchise has grown into one of the most commercially successful and globally recognised teams in cricket, backed by a strong brand identity and a loyal fan base.

Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures and BXPE Owns RCB

The acquiring consortium expressed confidence in the long-term potential of the franchise, describing RCB as a globally recognised sporting brand with deep regional roots and massive fan engagement.

"We are proud to become custodians of RCB and grateful to USL and Diageo for the franchise they have built. RCB's championship-winning culture, its deep connection to Bengaluru, and one of the most passionate fanbases in world sport make this an extraordinary opportunity," the consortium said in a joint statement.

The group added that it aims to take the franchise to "new heights, on the pitch and beyond," signalling plans for both sporting and commercial expansion.

The investor group brings together a mix of strengths across industries. The Aditya Birla Group is one of India's largest conglomerates with a global presence, while The Times of India Group operates an extensive cricket media ecosystem, including platforms like Cricbuzz and Willow TV.

Bolt Ventures, led by global sports investor David Blitzer, has stakes in multiple international leagues across football, basketball and baseball, while Blackstone is among the world's largest alternative asset managers with significant experience in large-scale investments.

Know About United Spirits

United Spirits Limited, a subsidiary of global spirits giant Diageo Plc, is among India's top alcobev companies with a wide portfolio of premium brands. Headquartered in Bengaluru, the company operates a large manufacturing network across the country and markets well-known brands such as Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Smirnoff and McDowell's No.1.

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