In a groundbreaking development for cricket fans, Amrit Thomas has officially taken over as the chairman of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as of March 28, 2026. This change comes on the heels of a historic acquisition that saw RCB valued at a staggering $1.78 billion, a record in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The acquisition was made by a consortium including the Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone, marking a significant shift in the franchise’s ownership. This transaction values RCB at approximately INR 166.6 billion, a remarkable increase from the INR 450 crores that former owner Vijay Mallya paid for the franchise back in 2008.
Under Mallya’s ownership, RCB faced numerous challenges, including financial scandals that ultimately led to his departure from the franchise. Despite these hurdles, RCB achieved a major milestone in 2025 by winning their first IPL trophy, a victory that brought joy to their loyal fanbase.
As the defending champions of IPL 2026, RCB is poised for another exciting season. Rajat Patidar, the team’s captain, expressed optimism about the upcoming matches, stating, “The Day has arrived for our Lions of Bengaluru…namma sinhagulu…IPL Champions. Good Luck and Play Bold…Dhairyadinda ațavadi.”
Vijay Mallya, reflecting on his tenure, remarked, “When I bought the franchise in 2008 for INR 450 crores, most people laughed at me and criticised my investment as a vanity project.” His journey with RCB has been a rollercoaster, filled with both triumphs and tribulations.
As the IPL 2026 season opener approaches at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, excitement is palpable among fans and players alike. The new ownership aims to build on the legacy of the franchise while navigating the challenges that come with such a significant investment.
While the transition of power has been met with enthusiasm, details remain unconfirmed regarding the future direction of RCB under Thomas’s leadership. The cricketing community is eager to see how this new chapter unfolds.
In the meantime, RCB’s supporters are rallying behind their team, hopeful that the changes will bring continued success and stability. The franchise’s rich history and passionate fanbase set the stage for an exhilarating 2026 season.
As the IPL continues to grow in popularity, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on RCB and its new ownership, making this a pivotal moment in the franchise’s storied journey.
