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

Vijay Mallya, the former owner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, congratulated the new owners of the franchise after a record-breaking IPL deal. He reminisced about his initial investment and the journey of RCB, emphasizing the team's significance in his life. The franchise has been sold for approximately Rs 16,660 crore to a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group. Mallya's decision to draft Virat Kohli has been pivotal in the team's success. This acquisition marks a new chapter for RCB, which remains close to Mallya's heart.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 26, 2026, 10:11 IST

Mallya's Heartfelt Message to RCB's New Owners

London [UK], March 26: Vijay Mallya, the former owner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), expressed his congratulations to the new proprietors of the IPL franchise following a record-breaking deal. He stated that RCB will always be an integral part of his identity.

In a message shared on X, Mallya reflected on his initial investment and the evolution of the team.

In his tweet, he remarked, “I extend my warmest congratulations to the new RCB owners. I wish them all the best as they take charge of 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’s incredibly rewarding to see my INR 450 crore investment soar to INR 16,500 crores. RCB will forever be a part of my DNA, filled with unforgettable memories, including the selection of young Virat Kohli, who has become one of the world's best players. To all the RCB fans who supported us during my time and beyond, I am deeply grateful. Please continue to back RCB, the Lion of Bengaluru. Namaskara.”

During a period when the IPL was still establishing itself, Mallya's investment of Rs 450 crore in 2008 faced significant backlash, with many considering it excessive.

Nonetheless, this decision proved fruitful, particularly his choice to draft a young Virat Kohli, who was then the captain of the India U19 World Cup team. Kohli's subsequent achievements and immense popularity have significantly contributed to the franchise's lasting appeal.

The Bengaluru franchise has been sold for an astounding Rs 166.6 billion (approximately Rs 16,660 crore) to a prominent consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group, in collaboration 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 its subsidiary, Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), which manages both the IPL and Women’s Premier League (WPL) teams for RCB.

USL stated that the deal is an all-cash transaction and 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.

The consortium brings together diverse strengths; the Aditya Birla Group offers a rich business legacy, 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 extensive 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 remain a part of my DNA.”