Mallya credits RCB’s rise to bold thinking

The Indian Premier League saw a major turning point when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) changed hands for a staggering ₹16,500 crore ahead of the 2026 season. The sale immediately grabbed attention across the cricket world because it placed RCB among the most valuable franchises in league history. Former owner Vijay Mallya reacted strongly to the development and used the moment to revisit the team’s early days. He reminded fans that he had purchased the franchise in 2008 for ₹450 crore. At that time, many critics mocked the move and dismissed it as a flashy personal project rather than a serious business decision.

Mallya explained that he had always seen RCB as more than just a cricket team. He believed the franchise could build a powerful identity and strengthen the Royal Challenge brand over time. While many questioned his strategy in the beginning, he stayed confident in the team’s long-term value. The recent sale proved how dramatically that value had grown, with RCB’s worth rising to nearly 37 times its original price. Through his comments, Mallya made it clear that he viewed the franchise as a branding and business opportunity from the very start.

Also Read: Bus plunges into river in Bangladesh, 24 dead

Vijay Mallya Era Ends as RCB Ownership Changes

A consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group completed the purchase of the Bengaluru-based franchise. The group joined hands with The Times of India Group and Bolt Ventures to secure one of the biggest franchise deals in IPL history. After the announcement, Mallya congratulated the new owners and expressed satisfaction over the team’s remarkable journey. He also used the occasion to answer those who had once ridiculed his investment. According to him, what critics once labelled as “madness” eventually turned into a successful and rewarding vision.

The IPL also witnessed another major ownership shift on the same day, as Rajasthan Royals changed owners in a separate blockbuster deal. A US-based consortium led by entrepreneur Kal Somani reportedly acquired the franchise for around USD 1.63 billion. Reports suggested that the group had backing from the Walton and Ford family interests, adding even more weight to the transaction. With both RCB and Rajasthan Royals changing ownership, the day became one of the most significant in IPL business history. These back-to-back deals reflected the league’s rising global appeal and financial strength.

Despite the excitement, the RCB sale still requires formal approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Competition Commission of India. The transition also marked a clear shift away from United Spirits Limited, a Diageo subsidiary that had reportedly treated the franchise as a non-core asset. Together, these high-profile transactions highlighted the explosive commercial growth of the IPL over the years. The league’s valuation has now climbed to nearly USD 18.5 billion, driven by media rights, sponsorships, and booming fan engagement. The sharp rise in franchise values shows how cricket teams in India have evolved into major long-term business assets.

Also Read: Strait of Hormuz Blockade India: Safe Passage Allowed