Royal Challengers Bengaluru has changed ownership before IPL 2026, moreover a consortium including Aditya Birla Group, Times of India Group, and Bolt Ventures completed the deal, additionally the transaction reached around ₹16,500 crore, therefore this deal became one of the biggest in IPL history
Mallya Recalls Early Investment
Meanwhile, Vijay Mallya remembered his 2008 purchase of RCB, moreover he bought the franchise for ₹450 crore, additionally he shared that many people mocked this decision, therefore critics called it a vanity project and questioned his vision
Value Growth Turns Heads
Furthermore, Mallya highlighted massive value growth over years, moreover he stated that his ₹450 crore investment grew 37 times, additionally he expressed happiness over this transformation, therefore he viewed this growth as validation of his original vision
I would like to heartily congratulate the new owners of RCB. I wish them the very best and Godspeed with the most valuable IPL franchise. When I bought the franchise in 2008 for INR 450 crores, most people laughed at me and criticised my investment as a vanity project. Behind my…
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) March 26, 2026
Virat Kohli’s Role Highlighted
Meanwhile, Mallya also mentioned Virat Kohli in his message, moreover he recalled selecting a young Kohli for the team, additionally he said Kohli later became one of the world’s best batters, therefore Kohli played a major role in building RCB’s fan base
Fans Beyond Bengaluru
Additionally, Mallya acknowledged widespread fan support, moreover he said fans exist not only in Bengaluru, additionally supporters come from Delhi, Mumbai, Punjab, and other cities, therefore the franchise enjoys nationwide popularity
Message For New Owners And Fans
Finally, Mallya congratulated the new owners and wished them success, moreover he said RCB will always remain part of his identity, additionally he thanked fans for their continued support, therefore he urged them to keep backing the team in future
