Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s record-breaking ownership change is nearing completion, with the Competition Commission of India clearing the Aditya Birla-led consortium’s Rs 16,660 crore (USD 1.78 billion) buyout of the IPL franchise, leaving only BCCI ratification before the deal is finalised.
Quick Answer / Key Update
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of Royal Challengers Bengaluru by a consortium led by Aryaman Birla of the Aditya Birla Group, alongside Bolt Ventures, Blackstone and Times Internet. The all-cash deal, worth approximately Rs 16,660 crore, will see United Spirits Limited (Diageo) sell 100 percent of Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited. The BCCI must now independently ratify the sale, with an official announcement expected before October 2026.
What Happened?
United Spirits Limited announced in March 2026 that it would sell its full stake in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited, which owns both the men’s IPL team and the women’s WPL team, to a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group. The deal beat out competing interest, including a bid from Adar Poonawalla, who instead joined a separate group led by Lakshmi Mittal to acquire Rajasthan Royals. The CCI formally cleared the RCB deal on June 30, 2026.
Latest Update
With CCI approval secured, the BCCI will now examine the shareholding pattern, bank guarantees and financial details of the consortium before formally ratifying the sale. This process is expected to begin soon, with an official announcement likely before October 2026, though it is understood to be largely a formality at this stage.
Why Is This Trending?
The deal is the most valuable in IPL history and has drawn significant attention given RCB’s massive fanbase and its 2026 IPL title win. Fans have also been closely following whether the franchise’s name would change under new ownership, with the Aditya Birla Group confirming that Royal Challengers Bengaluru will remain unchanged.
Key Details
Franchise: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (IPL and WPL teams) Buyer: Consortium led by Aditya Birla Group (Aryaman Birla, chairman) Other Consortium Members: Bolt Ventures (David Blitzer), Blackstone, Times Internet Seller: United Spirits Limited (Diageo) Deal Value: Approximately Rs 16,660 crore (USD 1.78 billion) CCI Approval: June 30, 2026 Next Step: BCCI ratification, expected before October 2026
What Happens Next?
Once the BCCI completes its review and ratifies the sale, the Aditya Birla-led consortium will formally take charge of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, operating the team through its subsidiary, Big Banyan Holdings, ahead of the next IPL season.
Who is buying Royal Challengers Bengaluru?
A consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group, chaired by Aryaman Birla, along with Bolt Ventures, Blackstone and Times Internet, is acquiring RCB.
How much is the RCB deal worth?
The all-cash deal is valued at approximately Rs 16,660 crore, or around USD 1.78 billion.
Will RCB name change under new ownership?
No, the Aditya Birla Group has confirmed that the franchise will keep the name Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Has the deal been finalised?
The CCI has approved the deal, but final BCCI ratification is still pending, with an official announcement expected before October 2026.
Final Takeaway
The Aditya Birla-led consortium is on the verge of completing the biggest ownership deal in IPL history, having secured CCI approval for its Rs 16,660 crore purchase of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. With BCCI ratification the only remaining step, the new owners are expected to formally take charge of the franchise before the next IPL season.
