Whalesbook
United Spirits Sells IPL, WPL Franchise for ₹16,660 Crore
United Spirits Ltd. (USL) has finalized agreements to sell its fully owned subsidiary, Royal Challengers Sports Private Ltd. (RCSPL), which holds the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchises in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women's Premier League (WPL). The transaction is an all-cash deal valued at ₹16,660 crore. This sale represents a key strategic shift for United Spirits, concluding a review process initiated in November 2025.
New Ownership: Aditya Birla Group Leads Consortium
The acquiring entity is a consortium comprising the Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone's BXPE. Once the deal closes, this group will take control of the IPL and WPL franchises. The transaction is subject to standard closing conditions, including necessary approvals from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
USL CEO on the Strategic Shift
Praveen Someshwar, MD & CEO of USL, stated that this deal is a crucial step for the company. "This transaction marks an important milestone for USL as we sharpen focus on our core beverage alcohol business to unlock its true potential with sustained growth," he said. He added, "We also acknowledge RCB's growth and are optimistic for its future under new stewardship."
Consortium Aims to Elevate RCB
Representatives for the acquiring consortium expressed pride in becoming custodians of RCB. They highlighted the franchise's strong connection to Bengaluru and its dedicated fanbase as key reasons for investment. The consortium plans to build on RCB's performance on and off the field.
Deal Highlights Franchise Value and Market Interest
In the fiscal year 2025, RCSPL generated revenues from operations of ₹504 crore, making up 1.9% of USL's standalone revenue. As of March 31, 2025, its net worth was ₹321 crore. The significant sale price indicates a strong premium for the franchise, reflecting its brand value and the booming sports entertainment market in India. The acquisition is expected to be completed within six months, pending regulatory and legal approvals. This deal underscores the growing investor interest and increasing financial value of sports franchises in India.