Overview
- A consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group, with the Times of India Group, Blackstone’s BXPE and David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures, agreed to buy Royal Challengers Bengaluru for about $1.78 billion in a record IPL franchise deal that covers the men’s and women’s teams.
- Aryaman Vikram Birla has been named chairman of RCB with Times of India executive Satyan Gajwani as deputy, setting the leadership for the ownership change.
- Ananya Birla cheered from the stands at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium for the IPL 2026 opener and shared clips that amplified fan buzz around the team.
- News18 reports the sale still awaits BCCI approval even as the new owners take public roles and celebrate on-field moments, including reactions from Ananya and Aryaman after RCB’s opening win.
- The record price highlights how IPL team values are surging as media groups and private investors deepen their push into Indian sport.