RCB Sold? Aditya Birla–David Blitzer Consortium Leads Multi-Billion Dollar Buyout Ahead of IPL 2026 — Report

Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise has been sold to Aditya Birla Group, headed by billionaire Kumar Mangalam Birla. The consortium consists of American sports investors David Blitzer, US private equity firm Blackstone, and Times of India, as per several reports. It has been revealed that the franchise has been sold for a stunning value of $1.8 billion (Rs. 16896 crores approx. as per today’s exchange rate). 

If the reports are to be believed then this is the highest sale ever beating the $1.63 billion (Rs. 15300 crores) sale of Rajasthan Royals. 

“Over the past two decades, the IPL has morphed to become a global sporting powerhouse that has changed the face of Indian cricket creating enormous value for India. RCB, as one of the most compelling franchises in modern sport, offers the Aditya Birla Group a distinctive platform to extend its legacy of institution-building into the arena of global sport. We are delighted to become custodians of this asset and committed to further building this extraordinary legacy,” Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group, said in a statement.

“It is a privilege to come together in this partnership to shape the next phase of growth for RCB. This partnership brings together a deep understanding of sports, media and consumer businesses. Together, we will continue to Play Bold – on the pitch, in the community, and for the fans who make RCB what it is,” Aryaman Birla, the new chairman.

The consortium will take over the franchise from Diageo, whose Indian company, United Spirits, previously owned the team. Back in 2008, before the first season, the team was bought for $111.6 million (about ₹446 crore at that time). It was the second-most expensive team in the league then.

Now, after 18 years, the team’s value has grown about 16 times, showing how much the league and the franchise have become more popular and valuable over time.

This is the first time the Birla family has bought a sports team. On the other hand, American businessman Josh Harris and his partner David Blitzer already have experience in sports investments. Blitzer owns shares in several major teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), New Jersey Devils (NHL), Crystal Palace (English Premier League), Cleveland Guardians (MLB), and Real Salt Lake (MLS).

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