RCB Sold to Birla Consortium ahead of IPL 2026: Reports Peg Deal at $1.8 Billion

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In a major development that could reshape the IPL ownership landscape, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to be sold to a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group, according to reports that surfaced on Tuesday evening.

A report by Bloomberg revealed that the deal is valued at around $1.8 billion (approximately ₹17,000 crore), underlining the soaring valuation of IPL franchises. The report added that the Birla-led consortium is poised to acquire a significant stake in RCB, marking one of the biggest ownership transactions in the league's history.

The development gained further traction after industrialist Harsh Goenka shared a brief update on X on the evening of March 24, posting: "RCB sold to Birlas! Great move."

Goenka's post quickly went viral, amplifying the buzz around the high-profile takeover and adding weight to the ongoing reports.

Earlier in the day, in a parallel development, the Rajasthan Royals were also reportedly sold to a US-based consortium led by entrepreneur Kal Somani in a deal valued at $1.63 billion (₹15,680 crore), making it the biggest ownership transactions in IPL history. If the reported RCB deal at $1.8 billion is confirmed, it would surpass the Rajasthan Royals transaction to become the largest franchise deal in IPL history.

The consortium is said to include prominent global investors such as Rob Walton of the Walmart family and members of the Hamp family, known for their association with Ford Motor Company.

The ownership transfer of both the teams is expected to come into effect after the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season, with a formal announcement likely soon.

Despite not having secured an IPL title, RCB remain one of the most valuable teams in the league, backed by a massive fan base, consistent brand presence, and high engagement across platforms. These factors have played a key role in the franchise commanding a premium valuation.

The potential entry of the Aditya Birla Group into IPL ownership signals a strategic expansion into sports and entertainment for one of India's largest conglomerates, as it looks to tap into cricket's massive reach and commercial ecosystem.

While there has been no official confirmation from the stakeholders involved, the reported $1.8 billion (₹17,000 crore) deal, as highlighted by Bloomberg, has already positioned this as one of the most significant moments in IPL business history.