Vijay Mallya Celebrates RCB's New Ownership After Historic IPL Sale

Vijay Mallya, the former owner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), congratulated the new owners after a historic IPL sale worth Rs 166.6 billion. He reflected on his journey with the franchise, emphasizing RCB's significance in his life and the impact of selecting Virat Kohli. The new ownership consortium, led by the Aditya Birla Group, marks a transformative era for RCB, which has grown significantly since Mallya's initial investment. This article explores Mallya's heartfelt message and the implications of the sale for the franchise's future.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 26, 2026, 10:16 IST

Mallya's Heartfelt Congratulations

Vijay Mallya, the former owner of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), expressed his congratulations to the new proprietors of the IPL franchise following a record-breaking sale. He emphasized that RCB will always hold a special place in his heart.

In a message shared on X, Mallya stated, "I extend my warmest congratulations to the new RCB owners. I wish them great success with this highly valued IPL franchise. When I acquired the team in 2008 for INR 450 crores, many mocked my decision, labeling it a vanity project. However, my vision was to build the Royal Challenge brand, which is why I named the franchise RCB. It is incredibly rewarding to see my investment of INR 450 crores grow to INR 16,500 crores. RCB will forever be part of my identity, filled with unforgettable memories, including selecting the young Virat Kohli, who has become one of the world's best players. To all RCB supporters who joined during my time and beyond, I am deeply grateful. Please continue to support RCB, the Lion of Bengaluru. Namaskara."

From Criticism to Global Recognition

When Mallya invested Rs 450 crores in 2008, the IPL was still establishing itself, and his decision faced significant backlash, with many calling it excessive. Nevertheless, this investment proved fruitful, particularly due to the choice of Virat Kohli, who was then the captain of the India U19 World Cup team. Kohli's rise to fame and his extensive fan base have significantly contributed to RCB's lasting global appeal.

A New Chapter for RCB with Major Sale

The Bengaluru franchise has been sold for an astounding Rs 166.6 billion (approximately Rs 16,660 crores) to a prominent consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group, in partnership with The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone. This transaction, announced by United Spirits Limited (USL), involves the complete sale of the equity stake in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), which manages both the IPL and Women's Premier League (WPL) teams for RCB.

USL confirmed that this all-cash deal concludes a strategic review process that began in November 2025. However, the acquisition is still pending standard regulatory approvals, including those from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Competition Commission of India.

Introducing the New Ownership Group

The new ownership consortium brings together diverse strengths. The Aditya Birla Group contributes its extensive global business experience, while The Times of India Group enhances the media and cricket landscape. Bolt Ventures, supported by notable sports investor David Blitzer, holds interests in major global leagues, and Blackstone adds its considerable financial acumen as the largest alternative asset manager worldwide.

With RCSPL's ownership, the consortium gains complete control over RCB's operations in both the IPL and WPL, ushering in a new era for one of the league's most beloved franchises—one that Mallya asserts will always be a part of his legacy.