In a major shake-up in the Indian Premier Leaguethe Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been acquired by the Birla Groupmarking a significant moment in the league’s evolving business landscape.

The high-profile takeover reflects the growing interest of leading corporate giants in owning IPL franchises.

The Aditya Birla group, along with Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures and Blackstone, has bought the state of RCB for INR 16,660 crores, marking one of the biggest franchise deals in IPL history.

United Spirit, the owner of the franchise, made this disclosure in mandatory regulatory filings in Bombay Stock Exchange of India on Tuesday.

Bolt Ventures and Blackstone’s perpetual private equity are the other members of the consortium that jointly bought the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The decision to sell off 100 per cent stakes in RCB was approved by United Spirits Limited, owned by Diageo India.

“We wish to inform you that the board of directors of United Spirits Limited at its meeting held today, i.e., March 24, 2026, has inter alia approved the sale of 14,690 equity shares of Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (“RCSPL”), a wholly owned subsidiary of USL, for an aggregate consideration of Rs 166.6 bn, subject to adjustments and other conditions set out in the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) dated March 24, 2026 executed by and amongst USL, RCSPL, and Bolt IPL Holdings LLC; Aelius Investments Pte Ltd; Asia Investment Topco II Pte Ltd; Times Internet Limited; and Metropolitan Media Company Limited (the “Proposed Transaction” and such parties, the “Parties”),” said a statement.

“Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction in accordance with the SPA (which is subject to customary conditions including the receipt of all requisite approvals as required to give effect to the Proposed Transaction, including from the Competition Commission of India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India), USL will cease to hold any shareholding in RCSPL and consequently RCSPL will cease to be a subsidiary of USL,” the company said.

RCB’s growing success on and off the field played a key role in attracting strong investor interest. The franchise secured its maiden IPL title during the 18th edition of the season, while the women’s team has two titles.

The success had significantly boosted the brand’s appeal, making it an attractive asset for investors looking to capitalise on cricket’s global footprint and IPL‘s commercial expansion.