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
