A ownership change has put the spotlight firmly back on Royal Challengers Bengaluru and sparked a question that has quickly gained traction among fans: will the team keep its identity intact?
The acquisition, valued at USD 1.78 billion (around ₹16,706 crore), makes it the most expensive franchise sale in IPL history. ( (Instagram/@ananyabirla))
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The Bengaluru-based franchise, has been acquired in a deal by a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group. The group includes the Aditya Birla Group, US-based sports investor David Blitzer, private equity giant Blackstone, and the Times of India. The acquisition, valued at USD 1.78 billion (around ₹16,706 crore), makes it the most expensive franchise sale in IPL history.
The stake was acquired from United Spirits Limited, which previously owned the franchise through Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL).
Amid all the headlines, speculation around a potential name change began circulating. However, a story posted on Instagram appears to have settled the debate. Ananya Birla, a key public face of the Aditya Birla Group, reshared a post on Instagram indicating that the franchise’s name will remain unchanged—suggesting continuity in branding despite the ownership overhaul.
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The deal marks a significant moment in the IPL.
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The deal marks a significant moment in the IPL, as RCB continues to grow in both commercial value and on-field success. The acquisition covers both the men’s and women’s teams.
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The deal marks a significant moment in the IPL, as RCB continues to grow in both commercial value and on-field success. The acquisition covers both the men’s and women’s teams.
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A consortium of four groups has signed a definitive agreement with United Spirits Limited (USL), a subsidiary of UK-Diageo plc, to acquire a 100 per cent stake in the franchise.
Earlier developments indicated that the existing owners were seeking a valuation of around USD 2 billion. The Aditya Birla Group-led consortium is believed to have come close to matching that expectation, USD 1.78 billion, approximately INR 16,706 crore, as talks progress toward a final agreement.
RCB, who lifted their maiden IPL trophy last season, drew significant interest from global investors were keen to tap into the tournament’s growing commercial appeal. They also won their Women's Premier League title for the second time this year.
Shivya Kanojia is a journalist at Hindustan Times, where she works in the fast-paced digital news ecosystem with a strong sense of editorial judgement and a clear understanding of what makes a story both important and traffic-driven. An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Shivya brings a thoughtful balance of news value and audience relevance to her work, ensuring stories resonate beyond the immediate headline. Over the course of her three-year journey in the digital news space, Shivya has worked across a wide range of beats, including politics, civic issues, human-interest features and trending news. This diverse exposure has shaped her ability to approach stories with nuance, adaptability and context, whether she is breaking down complex developments or spotlighting everyday narratives that often go unnoticed. She is particularly drawn to human-interest stories, interviews and explainers that offer depth and clarity, aiming to move past surface-level reporting to explore the people, emotions and circumstances behind the news. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Shivya worked with Firstpost and Times Now, where she covered a broad spectrum of topics and honed her skills in digital journalism . Outside the newsroom, Shivya enjoys discovering new cafés, drawn to good coffee, cosy spaces and unhurried conversations. Shopping is another pastime she cherishes, not always out of necessity, but often guided by instinct and the simple joy of stumbling upon unexpected finds. Above all, she treasures time spent with loved ones, finding meaning in shared laughter, simple moments and memories that linger long after.
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Home/India News/Will RCB get new name after ₹16,700 crore sale?Ananya Birla drops a clue
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