Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is one of the most popular cricket franchises in India. The team competes in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Women’s Premier League (WPL). United Spirits Limited (USL) owns both the men’s and women’s teams under one umbrella company called Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited.
Who Owns RCB?
United Spirits Limited (USL) owns Royal Challengers Bengaluru. USL operates as a subsidiary of Diageo, a UK-based global beverage company. This corporate backing gives RCB financial stability and strong management support.
Vijay Mallya originally purchased the franchise in 2008 when the IPL started. He served as USL’s chairman at that time. However, he left the company in 2016 due to legal and financial problems. After his exit, Diageo took full control of the franchise.
Prathamesh Mishra currently serves as the Chairman of RCB. He also serves as Chief Commercial Officer at Diageo India. His leadership guides both the IPL and WPL teams.
About United Spirits Limited
USL ranks as India’s largest alcoholic beverage company. The company owns popular brands like Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Royal Challenge, and McDowell’s No.1. USL has its headquarters in Bengaluru, which connects naturally with RCB’s home city.
Here are some key facts about USL:
- USL acquired full ownership of RCB after Vijay Mallya’s exit in 2016
- Diageo purchased USL in 2014 and became the ultimate owner
- The company uses RCB as a major branding platform
- USL manages all sponsorship deals and business operations for both teams
RCB’s Brand Value
As of early 2026, RCB holds a valuation of $269 million. This makes the franchise one of the most valuable teams in the IPL. The team’s huge fan base, star players like Virat Kohli, and strong digital presence drive this high valuation.
RCB earns revenue from multiple sources. These include sponsorship deals, merchandise sales, and media rights. The team’s connection with Diageo adds commercial strength and global reach to the franchise.
RCB In IPL
RCB plays its home matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The team joined the IPL in its first season in 2008. For many years, RCB came close to winning but fell short in finals.
RCB’s IPL Final History in IPL:
| Year | Opponent | Result | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Punjab Kings | Won by 6 runs | RCB’s maiden title under captain Rajat Patidar. |
| 2016 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Lost by 8 runs | Virat Kohli’s record-breaking season (973 runs). |
| 2011 | Chennai Super Kings | Lost by 58 runs | Chris Gayle’s arrival transformed the team’s season. |
| 2009 | Deccan Chargers | Lost by 6 runs | Anil Kumble took 4/16 and was named Player of the Match despite the loss. |
That changed in 2025. RCB won their first-ever IPL title by defeating Punjab Kings in the final. The team finished the league stage with 17 points from 13 matches. Captain Rajat Patidar and coach Andy Flower led the squad with smart strategies and solid team balance.
The victory ended a 17-year wait for RCB fans. Players, former legends, and supporters celebrated this historic moment together.
RCB In WPL
United Spirits also owns the RCB women’s team that plays in the Women’s Premier League. The same parent company, Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited, operates both franchises.
Smriti Mandhana captains the women’s team. Malolan Rangarajan coaches the squad. In 2024, RCB Women won the WPL title by defeating Delhi Capitals in the final. This victory came before the men’s team broke their drought.
RCB Women also holds the distinction of having the most followers among cricket franchises on Instagram, with over 21 million followers.
RCB Trophy Cabinet
| Year | Tournament | Result | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | WPL | Champions | Delhi Capitals | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| 2025 | IPL | Champions | Punjab Kings | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
These wins mark a new chapter for the franchise. RCB proved they can deliver on big stages in both men’s and women’s cricket.
Potential Ownership Change
Diageo announced in late 2025 that they plan to sell RCB. The company filed a notice with SEBI about this strategic review. Several businesspeople have shown interest in buying the franchise.
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, publicly stated his intent to bid for RCB. Sanjay Govil, an Indian-American businessman who owns Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket, is also a potential buyer.
The change in ownership should be completed by March 2026. Both the IPL and WPL teams will move to the new owner together.
Key Leadership Details
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Owner | United Spirits Limited (Diageo) |
| Chairman | Prathamesh Mishra |
| IPL Captain | Rajat Patidar |
| IPL Coach | Andy Flower |
| WPL Captain | Smriti Mandhana |
| WPL Coach | Malolan Rangarajan |
| Home Stadium | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
Related Reads:
Conclusion: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Owned by United Spirits Limited
United Spirits Limited owns Royal Challengers Bengaluru in both IPL and WPL. The franchise operates under strong corporate leadership from Diageo. With a brand value of $269 million, historic title wins in both leagues, and millions of passionate fans, RCB has grown into a cricket powerhouse.
The upcoming ownership change will bring new faces to the franchise. But RCB’s identity, fan base, and winning momentum should continue into this new era.
