CCI Clears RCB Sale, Aditya Birla-Led Consortium Set to Take Over in USD 1.78 Billion Deal

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the sale of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), clearing one of the biggest hurdles in the franchise’s ownership change. The team is set to be acquired by an Aditya Birla-led consortium in a deal valued at USD 1.78 billion, around INR 16,700 crore.

Current owner Diageo began the sale process in November 2025. The transaction now awaits the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s financial and ownership review before it receives final approval. An official announcement is expected before October.

The franchise will be operated under Big Banyan Holdings after the takeover. The buying group includes Aditya Birla Group, Bolt Ventures, Blackstone, and Times Internet.

The bidding process attracted strong interest from several investors. Other groups in the race included the Glazer family and Adar Poonawalla, while a separate Lakshmi Mittal-led consortium completed the purchase of Rajasthan Royals.

The ownership change comes at a high point for RCB. The franchise has won back-to-back IPL titles, strengthening its position as one of the league’s most valuable and popular teams.

RCB are also expected to keep veteran batter Virat Kohli as a key part of their plans. The former captain is expected to continue playing for at least the next three to four years, giving the new owners a strong cricket and commercial figure to build around.

The women’s team has also enjoyed success, winning the Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026. Those achievements have added to the franchise’s growing value both on and off the field.

With CCI approval now secured, only the BCCI’s final due diligence remains before the record-breaking deal can be completed. If approved, the Aditya Birla-led consortium will become the new owners of one of the IPL’s most successful and commercially valuable franchises.