Consortium led by Blackstone buys Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL team for $1.78B, highlighting IPL's growing value.

A consortium including Blackstone, sports investor David Blitzer, the Aditya Birla Group, and The Times of India Group acquired the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL franchise from Diageo-owned United Spirits for $1.78 billion. This all-cash deal reflects strong investor confidence in the IPL, valued at $18.5 billion by Houlihan Lokey, with RCB as the league's top brand worth $269 million. The IPL is a popular cricket league blending international and Indian talent, attracting massive audiences and celebrity ownership. The consortium aims to build on RCB's passionate fan base and recent championship success to grow the franchise further.