In a landmark move, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has been acquired by a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group (ABG) for a whopping Rs 16,700 crore (USD 1.78 billion). The acquisition has made RCB the most expensive IPL franchise to date. Along with ABG, other partners in the consortium include Blackstone’s BXPE, Bolt Ventures (owned by investor David Blitzer), and media giant Times of India. The transaction has sparked speculation about whether the iconic name "Royal Challengers Bengaluru" would change under the new ownership.

Amid the uncertainty, Ananya Birla, a prominent figure in the Aditya Birla Group, took to social media to quell the rumors. She reposted an Instagram post confirming that RCB’s name will not be altered. This reassured fans and stakeholders who were worried that the team's rich legacy would be affected by the change in ownership. Ananya Birla’s confirmation brings clarity and affirms that RCB will retain its identity moving forward.

RCB, one of the original teams in the IPL since its inception in 2008, has witnessed both triumphs and challenges over the years. The team finally clinched its first IPL title in 2025, making the recent acquisition even more significant. The new ownership group’s involvement, while bringing new energy and vision to the team, will ensure continuity for fans who have supported RCB throughout its journey. The team's men's and women's (WPL) franchises will be managed by this consortium, ushering in a new era for RCB in the IPL.