RCB Ownership Change Confirmed as CCI approves Rs 16,660 Crore Deal for IPL Champions

In a landmark development for Indian cricket, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by a high-profile consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group. The all-cash deal, valued at Rs 16,660 crore, marks one of the largest franchise transactions in IPL history.

Fair trade regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) today cleared the acquisition of IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru by a consortium of Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures and Blackstone in a Rs 16,660 crore all-cash deal.

In March this year, United Spirits Ltd (USL), a subsidiary of Diageo, announced the sale of the IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) - encompassing both the men's IPL and women's WPL teams - in a Rs 16,660 crore all-cash deal to the consortium. The transaction values the franchise at approximately USD 1.78 billion.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) said it has approved the proposed deal.

"CCI approves acquisition of 100 per cent shareholding of Royal Challengers Sports by a consortium comprising Big Banyan Holdings, Bolt IPL Holdings, Times Internet, Times Cricket, ICQ Opportunities, Asia Investment Topco II and others," the regulator said in a post on X.

RCB New Ownership Consortium

The deal represents a major ownership transition for RCB, one of the most popular and valuable franchises in the IPL since its inception in 2008. Under the new consortium, the franchise will continue to operate both its men's and women's teams, building on its recent successes.

Key entities in the acquiring consortium include:

• Aditya Birla Group
• The Times of India Group
• Bolt Ventures (linked to sports investor David Blitzer)
• Blackstone’s perpetual private equity strategy, BXPE

Industry sources indicate that Aryaman Vikram Birla is expected to play a prominent role, potentially as Chairman, with other leadership appointments such as Satyan Gajwani as Vice Chairman under discussion.