The ownership change has put the spotlight back on Royal Challengers Bengaluru and raised a question that has quickly gained interest among fans: Will the team keep its identity intact?
The Bengaluru-based franchise was acquired in a deal by a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group. The group includes Aditya Birla Group, US-based sports investor David Blitzer, private equity giant Blackstone, and The Times Of India. The value of the acquisition is US$1.78 billion (approx $16,706 crore), making it the most expensive franchise sale in the history of IPL.
Read also | Royal Challengers sell Bengaluru to $1.78 billion consortium led by Aditya Birla Group
The stake was acquired from United Spirits Limited, which previously owned the franchise through Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL).
Amidst all the headlines, speculation about a possible name change began to spread. However, the Instagram story appears to have settled the controversy. Ananya Birla, the main public face of the Aditya Birla Group, re-shared an Instagram post indicating that the name of the franchise will remain unchanged — indicating continuity of the brand despite the ownership overhaul.
The deal marks an important moment in the Indian Premier League, as RCB continues to grow in terms of commercial value and on-field success. The acquisition covers both the men’s and women’s teams.
A consortium of four groups has signed a definitive agreement with United Spirits Limited (USL), a subsidiary of UK-Diageo plc, to acquire a 100 per cent stake in the franchise.
Read also | Who is Aryaman Birla? Former Rajasthan Royals player steps up to chairman of RCB after US$1.78 billion acquisition
Previous developments indicated that the current owners were seeking a valuation of around US$2 billion. The Aditya Birla Group-led consortium is believed to have come close to matching this forecast, of US$1.78 billion, roughly INR 16,706 crore, as talks progress towards a final agreement.
RCB, which lifted its maiden Indian Premier League trophy last season, attracted huge interest from global investors who were keen to cash in on the tournament’s growing commercial appeal. They also won the Women’s Super League title for the second time this year.
