Royal Challengers Bengaluru players celebrate with the trophy after winning the final Women’s Premier League (WPL) Twenty20 cricket match against Delhi Capitals at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on February 5, 2026 (Photo: Shammi MEHRA/AFP via Getty Images) / — Image is for editorial use only and commercial use is strictly prohibited —
Shammi Mehra | AFP | Getty Images
A consortium comprising Blackstone and American serial sports investor David Blitzer has acquired the Indian Premier League’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise in a deal valued at 166 billion rupees ($1.78 billion).
Blitzer is one of the world’s most prominent sports investors, owning stakes in major league franchises including the English Premier League, National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League and Major League Baseball.
The deal highlights growing investor interest in the IPL, which is also billed as the world’s richest cricket league.
On Tuesday, Indian media also reported that a consortium led by US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani had won a bid to acquire another major IPL franchise, Rajasthan Royals, for $1.63 billion. Rajasthan Royals did not immediately respond to CNBC’s inquiries seeking confirmation of the deal.
A report last year from US investment bank Houlihan Lokey valued the IPL business at $18.5 billion, and said the brand alone was worth $3.9 billion.
Launched in 2008, IPL is a fast-paced, franchise-based cricket league that combines top international and top Indian players. Held over almost two months each year, it features 10 teams, mostly based in cities, and combines high-intensity cricket, celebrity ownership, entertainment, and a massive TV and streaming audience.
Diageo~own united spirits The company said in an exchange filing that the all-cash sale of RCB is part of its strategy to sell non-core assets and focus on its alcohol business. According to a report by Houlihan Lokey, RCB is the top brand in the league and is valued at $269 million.
“RCB has grown to become the most prominent and commercially successful franchise in the IPL and WPL (Women’s Premier League),” USL managing director and chief executive officer Praveen Someshwar said, adding that the franchise is a “globally recognized brand” with a “passionate fan base”.
The buyer consortium also includes Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures and Blackstone’s permanent private equity strategy BXPE, as well as Aditya Birla Group and media company Times of India Group.
Under the new ownership structure, Aditya Birla Group director and former Rajasthan Royals player Aryaman Vikram Birla will become chairman, while Times of India Group’s Sathyan Gajwani will become RCB’s vice chairman.
“This partnership brings together our deep understanding of sports, media and consumer business,” Birla said.
The acquisition requires regulatory approvals from the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Competition Commission of India.
“RCB’s championship-winning culture, deep ties to Bangalore and one of the most passionate fan bases in global sport make this an exciting opportunity,” the consortium said.
Although RCB has a lot of fan support, it was only in 2025 that they won their first title. The team has been participating in the IPL since its inception.
