Who is the Owner of RCB?
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is one of the most iconic franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Known for its passionate fanbase and star-studded lineups, RCB has had a fascinating ownership journey since its inception in 2008.
Initial Ownership: Vijay Mallya
RCB was originally owned by Indian businessman Vijay Mallya, who purchased the franchise during the inaugural IPL auction in 2008 for $111.6 million, making it the second-highest bid among IPL teams. Mallya, then chairman of United Spirits Limited (USL) and owner of Kingfisher Airlines, named the team after USL’s flagship liquor brand, “Royal Challenge.” Under his leadership, RCB became synonymous with flamboyance and high-profile players like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.
However, Mallya’s tenure as RCB’s owner came to an abrupt end in 2016 due to financial controversies. Facing allegations of defaulting on loans worth ₹9,000 crore, Mallya fled India to avoid legal repercussions. Subsequently, he resigned as chairman and director of Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), the entity managing RCB.
Transition to United Spirits
Following Mallya’s departure, RCB’s ownership transitioned entirely to United Spirits Limited, an Indian alcoholic beverages company headquartered in Bengaluru. USL itself is a subsidiary of Diageo, a British multinational corporation and one of the world’s largest producers of spirits. Diageo had acquired a controlling stake in USL in 2014, effectively taking over RCB’s ownership.
Current Ownership Structure
As of 2025, RCB is wholly owned by United Spirits Limited. Unlike other IPL franchises that have individual owners or families at the helm, RCB operates under a corporate structure managed by a dedicated board within USL. The current CEO and Managing Director of United Spirits is Hina Nagarajan, who oversees the operations of the franchise along with her team.
RCB Under Corporate Leadership
Under United Spirits’ stewardship, RCB has maintained its reputation as one of IPL’s most valuable franchises, with an estimated valuation of ₹1.25 billion as of 2025. Despite never winning an IPL title, RCB has consistently reached playoffs and finals, earning them the status of perennial contenders. The team continues to captivate fans with its thrilling performances led by players like Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis.
Legacy and Future Prospects
The transition from Vijay Mallya’s flamboyant ownership to United Spirits’ corporate management marked a significant shift in how RCB operates. While controversies surrounded its early years, the franchise has evolved into a professionally managed entity under Diageo’s leadership. With consistent performances and strong fan support, RCB remains hopeful for its maiden IPL championship in upcoming seasons.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore story is not just about cricket; it reflects resilience and adaptability in overcoming challenges both on and off the field.
