In a significant development for the Indian Premier League (IPL), Amrit Thomas has officially taken over as the owner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as of March 28, 2026. This transition follows a record-breaking acquisition involving major stakeholders such as the Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone, who collectively purchased the franchise for a staggering $1.78 billion.
The financial maneuvering that led to this acquisition marks a dramatic shift in RCB’s ownership landscape, particularly following the financial scandals that plagued former owner Vijay Mallya. Mallya, who initially bought the franchise in 2008 for INR 450 crores, expressed both pride and nostalgia regarding the sale, stating, “When I bought the franchise in 2008 for INR 450 crores, most people laughed at me and criticised my investment as a vanity project.” His sentiments reflect the bittersweet nature of the transition, as RCB has recently achieved significant success.
RCB won their first IPL trophy in 2025 and entered the 2026 season as defending champions, a remarkable turnaround for a team that had long been seeking its maiden title. Under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar, the franchise has garnered a loyal fanbase and a renewed sense of hope. The IPL 2026 season opener at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru was described as a “massive night,” showcasing the excitement surrounding the team.
Amrit Thomas’s ascension to the role of chairman is seen as a pivotal moment for RCB, as he aims to build on the franchise’s recent achievements while navigating the challenges that come with ownership in the high-stakes world of professional cricket. The acquisition not only values the franchise at INR 166.6 billion but also sets a new benchmark for sports franchises in India.
As the IPL continues to grow in popularity, the implications of this ownership change extend beyond just RCB. It signals a trend of increasing investment in Indian sports, particularly cricket, which remains the nation’s most beloved pastime. The involvement of prominent organizations like Blackstone and the Aditya Birla Group underscores the lucrative potential of cricket in India.
Vijay Mallya, reflecting on the sale, remarked, “The Day has arrived for our Lions of Bengaluru…namma sinhagulu…IPL Champions. Good Luck and Play Bold…Dhairyadinda ațavadi.” His words resonate with the spirit of the franchise and its supporters, as they look forward to a new era under Thomas’s leadership.
As RCB embarks on this new chapter, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the new ownership influences the team’s performance and strategy in the coming seasons. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full scope of Thomas’s plans for the franchise, but the excitement surrounding RCB’s future is palpable.
