Historic Sale of IPL Teams RCB and RR Exceeds $3.4 Billion
Major Milestone in IPL History
Harsha Bhogle has shared insights on the groundbreaking sale of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), which together fetched nearly $3.4 billion (approximately ₹31,958 crore at current exchange rates). This transaction marks a historic moment as it is the first time an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise has been sold for over a billion dollars. A consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group, in collaboration with Times of India, David Blitzer, Blackstone, and Bolt Ventures, acquired RCB for a staggering $1.78 billion (around ₹16,738 crore). Meanwhile, a consortium led by Kal Somani, supported by Walmart and Ford families, secured RR for $1.63 billion (approximately ₹15,280 crore).
Bhogle noted the surprising similarity in valuations between RR and RCB, despite RCB's stronger brand presence. It was anticipated that the 2025 IPL champions would command a higher price than the inaugural winners. He elaborated on the unique dynamics of the IPL ecosystem, stating, "RCB has concluded a sale valued at 1.78 billion USD to a consortium that includes the Birlas, Times of India, Blitzer, and Blackstone. The valuation is not significantly higher than that of Rajasthan Royals, highlighting the peculiar nature of the IPL where franchise incomes and expenses are closely aligned. In just a few hours, the IPL has witnessed transactions totaling 3.4 billion USD, underscoring its status as one of the premier leagues globally, with Indian cricket fans being a vital component of the sport worldwide," Bhogle expressed on his X account.
And @RCBTweets has finalised a sale with a valuation of 1.78 billion USD to a consortium that includes the Birlas, Times of India, Blitzer and Blackstone. It isn't too far above what @rajasthanroyals got but then this is a peculiar ecosystem where the income and expenses of a…
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 24, 2026
Earlier, Bhogle highlighted how IPL franchises are significantly ahead of other global cricket teams by comparing the sale of the Royals to the London Spirit team in The Hundred. He remarked, "Rajasthan Royals sold for 1.63 billion USD. For context, the London Spirit, the most expensive team, was valued at 370 million USD during a stake sale in The Hundred," he noted on X.
So @rajasthanroyals is sold for 1.63 billion USD. Purely for comparison, #LondonSpirit, the most expensive team, was valued at 370 million USD when there was a stake sale in The 100.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 24, 2026
Both franchises will see their new owners take over following the conclusion of the 2026 IPL season, scheduled from March 28 to May 31.