Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s record-breaking ownership change has moved a step closer to completion after the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the Aditya Birla-led consortium’s proposed acquisition of the franchise. The regulatory clearance leaves BCCI ratification as the final major stage before the transaction can be formally completed.
As previously reported by cricexec, the consortium agreed to acquire RCB from Diageo in an all-cash deal valued at around US$1.78 billion (approx.16,910 crore), making it one of the largest franchise transactions in global sport.
C-2026/05/1425 : CCI approves acquisition of 100% shareholding of Royal Challengers Sports by a consortium comprising Big Banyan Holdings, Bolt IPL Holdings, Times Internet, Times Cricket, ICQ Opportunities, Asia Investment Topco II and others pic.twitter.com/mPTgEKTw0U
— CCI (@CCI_India) June 30, 2026
Regulatory process enters its final phase
With the CCI approval now secured, the BCCI is expected to begin its own review process this month. That assessment will include the consortium’s shareholding structure, financial position and bank guarantees before the governing body formally ratifies the ownership transfer.
While the remaining approval is considered procedural, the transaction cannot be completed until the BCCI concludes its review.
Consortium brings global investment experience
The franchise will operate under Big Banyan Holdings, with the consortium bringing together the Aditya Birla Group alongside Blackstone, Bolt Ventures and Times Internet Limited.
The Aditya Birla Group has an established presence in cricket through previous sponsorships of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals, while Birla Estates partnered with Gujarat Titans during the 2026 IPL season.
Bolt Ventures is owned by sports investor David Blitzer, whose portfolio includes stakes across major international sports teams. Blackstone is one of the world’s largest alternative asset managers, while Times Internet has existing investments in franchise cricket through Major League Cricket and The Hundred.
New era follows sustained on-field success
The ownership transition comes during one of the most successful periods in the franchise’s history. RCB recently became only the third team to successfully defend the IPL title after securing back-to-back championships, while the club has also lifted the Women’s Premier League trophy twice under Captain Smriti Mandhana.
The franchise’s commercial appeal continues to be strengthened by Virat Kohli’s long-term association with RCB. Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Chief Executive Officer Rajesh Menon said: “That said, next three-four years, I am sure he’ll be playing … for at least four years. He is fit, the hunger never dies. You saw him this IPL season bring on the energy, runs, attitude… everything was there. Three-four years, absolutely no problem.”
The sale process began after Diageo launched a strategic review of its non-core assets in late 2025, attracting interest from several high-profile investors before the Aditya Birla-led consortium emerged as the successful bidder.
Attention will now turn to the BCCI’s ratification process, which is expected to begin this month before the ownership change is formally completed.
