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The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), one of the most recognized franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has long intrigued fans with its star-studded roster, passionate fanbase, and dramatic history both on and off the field. Central to that intrigue is a frequently asked question: Who owns RCB? Here is a detailed look at the ownership and legacy of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Origins and Early Ownership
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru was established in 2008 as part of the inaugural season of the IPL. The franchise was originally purchased by prominent Indian businessman Vijay Mallya, then the chairman of United Spirits, a subsidiary of the United Breweries Group. At the time, United Spirits acquired the RCB franchise for a reported $111.6 million.
Under Mallya’s stewardship, the franchise quickly became popular, attracting top players and spending aggressively at auctions. However, this period was not without controversy. Vijay Mallya’s flamboyant management style and bold decisions at IPL auctions — some of which drew criticism and scrutiny — played a significant role in shaping RCB’s early identity. Mallya’s time at the helm saw both highs and lows, with the team reaching IPL finals but also enduring administrative and financial challenges.
Transition to New Ownership
Over the years, the fortunes of United Spirits, and Mallya himself, changed due to financial difficulties and legal issues. By 2016, Mallya had stepped down from his role on the board of United Spirits. Despite his departure, the RCB franchise remained with United Spirits, which is now a part of the British multinational beverage company Diageo.
Presently, Royal Challengers Bengaluru is owned and operated by United Spirits Limited, under the broader umbrella of Diageo. The franchise operates from its home city of Bengaluru, Karnataka, and continues to be listed as the property of United Spirits in official IPL documentation.
Current Administration and Leadership
While United Spirits (Diageo) owns the team, RCB’s day-to-day operations and team decisions are managed by a dedicated core of professionals. The franchise has adopted modern management practices and expanded its brand far beyond the cricket field, with ventures in digital content, community engagement, and merchandise.
RCB’s Ongoing Legacy
Despite the change in ownership and management over the years, RCB remains a major force in the IPL, known for its consistent pursuit of top cricketing talent and devotion to its passionate supporters. Royal Challengers Bengaluru has boasted some of T20’s best-known names, including Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Glenn Maxwell.
The IPL landscape has also evolved, with team owners now taking a much more active role in team strategy, player selection, and long-term vision. Royal Challengers Bengaluru serves as a prime example of a franchise with a dynamic ownership history, reflective of the league’s growth and global appeal.
Conclusion
Royal Challengers Bengaluru is currently owned by United Spirits Limited, a subsidiary of Diageo. Though the franchise’s history includes the colorful chapter under Vijay Mallya, today RCB operates under a professional corporate structure, focused on both performance and brand-building. As IPL evolves, so too does the ownership role in shaping the success and culture of teams like RCB, making the franchise’s journey a key narrative in modern cricket.
For those following the IPL, RCB’s ownership is a testament to how business acumen and sporting vision converge in one of cricket’s most glamorous arenas.
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