Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Name Change Rumors Debunked As Ananya Birla Confirms Team Identity Will Remain Unaltered The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise has been sold for a record Rs 16,706 crore in a deal that has sparked widespread speculation about potential rebranding. However, Ananya Birla, a key figure in the Aditya Birla Group, has clarified that the team's name will not be changed following the acquisition. The consortium, led by the Aditya Birla Group, has finalized the purchase of the IPL franchise from United Spirits Limited (USL) for USD 1.78 billion, making it the most expensive IPL team sale to date. The transaction, announced on March 26, involves a consortium comprising the Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone's perpetual private equity strategy, BXPE. The deal includes ownership of both the men's IPL team and the women's WPL team. United Spirits Limited stated that the sale was the result of a strategic review initiated in November 2025, which concluded with the consortium acquiring full equity stakes in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), the entity that operates the RCB franchise. Ananya Birla, who is part of the Aditya Birla Group, addressed the speculation about a name change by reposting an Instagram post that explicitly stated the team's name will remain unchanged. This move has reassured fans and stakeholders that the identity of the franchise, which has been a staple of the IPL since its inception in 2008, will stay intact. The RCB, known for its success in the 2025 IPL season, is now under new ownership, but its legacy and branding are expected to endure. The sale marks a significant shift in the ownership structure of the IPL, with the new consortium bringing diverse interests to the table.#aditya_birla_group #bolt_ventures #times_of_india_group #ananya_birla #united_spirits_limited
RCB Sale: Vijay Mallya Responds to Critics Who Mocked His Investment as a 'Vanity Project' Vijay Mallya, the founder of Royal Challenger Bangalore (RCB), publicly addressed critics who once dismissed his investment in the cricket franchise as a "vanity project" after the team was sold for nearly $2 billion (₹18,776 crore). The sale, announced by United Spirits Ltd (USL) on March 24, 2026, involved a ₹16,660-crore all-cash deal to a consortium including Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone. The transaction also included a ₹540-crore payout for the Women’s Premier League and a 5% commission to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). In a post on X, Mallya congratulated the new owners, stating, “I wish them the very best and Godspeed with the most valuable IPL franchise.” He highlighted the growth of his initial ₹450-crore investment in 2008, which he purchased from the Bangalore Cricket Association. “It is immensely gratifying to see my ₹450 crore investment grow to ₹16,660 crore,” he said, emphasizing the franchise’s value. Mallya also noted that RCB will remain a part of his legacy, recalling memories such as “picking the young Virat Kohli, who is now amongst the best in the world.” Mallya’s comments came amid renewed scrutiny over his financial dealings. He had previously faced calls for his extradition from the UK, where he resides, and had offered to repay 100% of “public money” but claimed banks and authorities refused his proposal. The sale of RCB, which is now part of the IPL, also sparked discussions about the team’s future. Players will wear jersey No. 11 to honor victims of the 2018 Bengaluru stampede, a gesture that Mallya acknowledged as a meaningful tribute.#aditya_birla_group #times_of_india_group #vijay_mallya #royal_challenger_bangalore #united_spirits_ltd
United Spirits’ Rs 16,660 crore sale of its stake in Royal Challengers Bangalore has been praised by brokerages as a value-creating move, with analysts highlighting improved capital allocation and potential shareholder returns. The deal, which involves a consortium of major investors, is expected to set a strong valuation benchmark for IPL franchises and could boost the stock’s performance. The consortium, comprising Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and a Blackstone fund, acquired the team, which won the IPL 2025 tournament. The acquisition also included the franchise’s team in the Women’s Premier League. United Spirits received a 16 times return on its 2008 bid value, marking a significant gain. Under the new ownership, Aryaman Vikram Birla of Aditya Birla Group will serve as chairman, and Satyan Gajwani of The Times of India Group will be vice-chairman. The transaction is subject to approvals from regulatory bodies, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL Governing Council. Analysts from Nuvama noted that United Spirits’ exit from the IPL will sharpen its focus on core alcohol business operations, unlocking value through a higher effective valuation of over Rs 18,200 crore. This includes the Rs 540 crore WPL liability and Rs 980 crore BCCI fees, which will be borne by the buyers. The deal is expected to remove a key overhang, freeing up capital from a low-contribution asset and improving strategic clarity. Nuvama anticipates a one-time dividend announcement within six months, supporting shareholder returns. The firm maintains a ‘Buy’ rating for United Spirits’ stock, with a target price of Rs 1,660, implying a 25% upside from the previous closing price.#aditya_birla_group #royal_challengers_bangalore #bolt_ventures #united_spirits #times_of_india_group
