Amidst The Speculations RCB Name to Stay Even After Ownership Change
Speculation around a possible name change has been put to rest, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru set to retain its identity despite a major ownership change ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season. Rumours had intensified after a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group acquired 100 percent stake in the franchise. However, indications from within the group suggest there will be no rebranding. Ananya Birla further fuelled that clarity by resharing a post on Instagram stating that the team’s name will remain unchanged. The deal, valued at USD 1.78 billion (approximately Rs 16,706 crore), makes RCB the most expensive franchise in IPL history8. The stake was sold by United Spirits Limited, which confirmed the development in an official statement. United Spirits Limited, pursuant to the meeting of its Board of Directors, today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements for the sale of the 100 percent equity stake held in its wholly owned subsidiary Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL) to a consortium. “The consortium comprises Aditya Birla Group (ABG), The Times of India Group (Times), Bolt Ventures (Bolt), and Blackstone’s perpetual private equity strategy, BXPE (Blackstone), for a total consideration of INR 166.6 bn in an all-cash transaction,” the statement stated. “RCSPL owns and operates the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchises that participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Premier League (WPL).” “Upon completion of this transaction, the consortium will, through its ownership of RCSPL, acquire the rights to own and operate the IPL and WPL franchise,” said the USL. RCB, one of the original teams since 2008, lifted their maiden title in 2025. The deal also includes both the men’s and women’s teams, marking a new chapter for the franchise while keeping its long-standing identity intact.
