Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), the company that owns the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchises in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Premier League (WPL), generated record revenue of ₹545 crore (approx. US$57 million) during the financial year ended March 31, 2026, highlighting the commercial momentum created by the club’s historic maiden IPL title.
The 8% year-on-year increase from ₹505 crore (approx. US$52 million) reflects another step forward in the commercial evolution of one of cricket’s most valuable franchise brands. The results demonstrate how on-field success continues to translate into stronger financial performance through media distributions, sponsorship agreements, merchandise sales and match-day income, while the WPL franchise also contributed to the company’s expanding commercial footprint.
Revenue reaches a new high
The FY26 performance represents the highest annual revenue recorded by RCSPL, with the championship-winning IPL campaign providing a significant commercial boost during the financial year.
Growth was supported by higher central revenue distributions from the IPL, continued sponsorship strength, improved merchandise demand and increased match-day revenues. The company’s WPL operations also continued to expand its overall business portfolio, reinforcing RCB’s position as a multi-team sports property.
Higher costs reduce profitability
Despite delivering record revenue, profitability declined as operating costs increased during the title-winning season.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) fell 36% year-on-year to ₹35 crore (approx. US$4 million), while EBITDA margin narrowed to 6.5%. Profit after tax also declined to ₹15 crore (approx. US$2 million).
Elsewhere in the financial results, RCSPL reported profit of ₹130 crore (approx. US$14 million), compared with ₹140 crore (approx. US$15 million) a year earlier, while total expenses increased from ₹322 crore (approx. US$33 million) to ₹388 crore (approx. US$40 million). The company also recorded advertising and sales promotion expenses of ₹12 crore (approx. US$1 million) and depreciation and amortisation costs of ₹8 crore (approx. US$829K).
United Spirits also declared and paid an interim dividend of ₹150 crore (approx. US$16 million) during the financial year.
Ownership enters a new chapter
The financial performance comes after a landmark period in the franchise’s history. As previously reported by cricexec, United Spirits completed the sale of its entire stake in RCSPL in a transaction valued at US$1.78 billion, with ownership transferring to a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group alongside Blackstone’s perpetual private equity strategy (BXPE), Bolt Ventures and The Times of India Group.
Commenting on the transaction, Praveen Someshwar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Diageo India, said in an official statement: “This transaction sharpens our focus squarely on our core beverage alcohol business and its considerable long-term potential, and the proceeds will support value creation for our shareholders.”
Commercial strength remains intact
Although higher operating expenditure reduced margins during FY26, the financial results underline RCB’s continued commercial strength following its maiden IPL title. With revenues reaching a new high and diversified income streams spanning media rights, sponsorship, merchandise, match-day operations and the WPL, the franchise remains one of the most valuable commercial properties in global cricket as it begins life under new ownership.
