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RCB Says No Immediate Plans for Overseas Franchises Under New Owners

New owners will finalise the takeover to focus on strengthening the franchise through year-round fan programmes rather than buying overseas.

Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Final - Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Gujarat Titans - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India - May 31, 2026 Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Rajat Patidar lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Indian Premier League REUTERS/Amit Dave

Overview

  • Co-owner Satyan Gajwani told Reuters on Thursday that the consortium has no immediate plans to buy franchises in foreign T20 leagues and is focused on closing and integrating the transaction.
  • A media-and-investment group led by the Aditya Birla Group, Times/Times Internet, Bolt Ventures and Blackstone bought RCB for $1.78 billion in March, ending United Spirits’ control.
  • The new owners say their top priorities are finalising the deal, strengthening the team’s core operations and driving year-round fan engagement beyond the IPL’s two-month season.
  • RCB faces a persistent ticket gap at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which seats about 33,800, prompting plans to explore stadium growth and local programmes such as on-the-ground academies.
  • The owners acknowledge global options remain open but undecided while rivals expand overseas and a mini-auction before IPL 2027 will shape RCB’s roster and competitive path.