In a transformative move for Indian sports, former Rajasthan Royals cricketer Aryaman Vikram Birla has been named the Chairman of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The appointment follows a historic ₹16,706 crore (approximately $1.78 billion) takeover of the franchise by a high-profile consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group.
As reported by news agencies including PTI and IANS, the acquisition marks one of the most significant transactions in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The deal, confirmed by United Spirits Limited (USL), involves the sale of a 100 percent equity stake in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited. Alongside the Aditya Birla Group, the consortium includes The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and the global private equity firm Blackstone.
Aryaman Birla, the son of billionaire industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla, returns to the IPL in a leadership capacity years after his stint as a player. A former left-handed batter for Madhya Pradesh, the 28-year-old stepped away from professional cricket in 2019 to focus on mental health before transitioning into the corporate sector. Under the new ownership structure, Satyan Gajwani of The Times of India Group will serve as Vice Chairman.
According to reports from Cricbuzz and The Free Press Journal, the takeover encompasses both the men’s IPL team and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) franchise. The deal reflects the skyrocketing valuation of the IPL, with USL-a subsidiary of Diageo capitalizing on the league’s growth after acquiring the team in 2008.
The transition remains subject to regulatory approvals from the BCCI and the Competition Commission of India. Kumar Mangalam Birla noted that the franchise offers a unique platform to extend the group’s legacy into global sports, ensuring RCB remains a powerhouse on and off the field.
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