How Much Money will BCCI get from RCB, Rajasthan Royals sale in IPL 2026?

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In one of the biggest shake-ups in Indian cricket history, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have been sold in full-ownership deals announced on March 24, 2026, ahead of the IPL 2026 season.

The transactions, valued at a combined USD 3.41 billion, have shattered previous records for IPL franchise sales and underscored the league’s skyrocketing commercial appeal.

IPL 2026: RCB and RR Sold for Billions

RCB, which clinched its maiden IPL title in 2025, was acquired by a high-profile Indian-led consortium for USD 1.78 billion (approximately ₹16,660 crore). The buyer group is headed by the Aditya Birla Group and includes The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures led by David Blitzer, and Blackstone’s perpetual private equity strategy.

The deal was an all-cash transaction with previous owner United Spirits Limited, a subsidiary of Diageo. Originally purchased for just USD 111.6 million in 2008, RCB’s valuation has grown more than 15-fold in less than two decades, reflecting its massive fan base, consistent performance, and strong brand presence.

Rajasthan Royals, one of the original eight IPL teams and the league’s most cost-effective franchise at launch, fetched USD 1.63 billion, which is approximately ₹15,300 crore.

The new owners are a consortium led by US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani, founder of IntraEdge, Truyo.AI, and Academian. The group is backed by Rob Walton of the Walmart family and the Hamp family, owners of the Ford Motor Company and the NFL’s Detroit Lions. Previously controlled by a group led by Manoj Badale’s Emerging Media, RR was bought for only USD 67 million in 2008. The sale price represents an extraordinary return on investment and highlights how even the league’s smaller-market teams have become premium global sports assets.

These deals place both franchises among the world’s most valuable sports properties, comparable to top European football clubs and elite North American teams.

How Much Money has BCCI received from the IPL deals?

According to IPL rules, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is entitled to a 5 per cent transaction fee on every franchise ownership transfer. This fee is paid directly by the new owners as part of the approval process.

For the RCB sale, the BCCI will receive approximately ₹833 crore. From the RR transaction, the board stands to earn around ₹765 crore. In total, the BCCI is set to pocket roughly ₹1,598 crore (over USD 180 million) from these two deals alone. This windfall comes on top of the board’s existing revenue from media rights, sponsorships, and match-day income, further strengthening its financial position.

BCCI Earnings from IPL Sales

From RCB sale: ~₹833 crore (5% of ₹16,660 crore).
From RR sale: ~₹750-751 crore (5% of ~₹15,000-15,300 crore).
Total for BCCI: Approximately ₹1,583-1,584 crore