Overview
- An Aditya Birla Group–led consortium with the Times of India Group, Blackstone and David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures signed a definitive agreement Tuesday to buy 100% of Royal Challengers Bengaluru from United Spirits for about $1.78 billion.
- The acquisition includes both RCB’s men’s Indian Premier League team and its Women’s Premier League side, with Aryaman Vikram Birla set to become chairman and Satyan Gajwani named vice-chairman.
- The sale will close only after approvals from the BCCI, the IPL governing council and competition authorities, capping a seller review that began in November and a weeks-long bidding contest.
- Separately, reports say Rajasthan Royals agreed to a sale to a US-led consortium headed by Kal Somani for roughly $1.6–$1.63 billion, pointing to broader ownership churn across the league.
- On-field leadership is evolving too, as Kolkata Knight Riders appointed Rinku Singh vice-captain and former India batter Mohammad Kaif urged the franchise to groom him as a long-term captaincy option.