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If there’s one team in IPL that people never stop talking about, it has to be Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Fans? Crazy loyal. Brand deals? Massive.
Every season, the team makes headlines—sometimes for cricket, sometimes for something else entirely. But beyond all the match-day madness, there’s always one question that keeps coming up—who owns RCB in IPL 2025?
Most people still think back to the Mallya days—the flashy owner, big signings, all-out branding. But that chapter is long closed. RCB is now fully owned by United Spirits Limited (USL), the biggest alcohol company in India.
That being said, RCB’s ownership hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. From a high-profile buyout in 2008 to legal troubles, financial shifts, and corporate takeovers, the team has seen a lot.
But through all of it, RCB has only gotten stronger. More financial backing, better management, no off-field drama—just cricket and business, exactly how a franchise should run.
Who Owns RCB in IPL 2025?
RCB is 100% owned by United Spirits Limited (USL), a company that’s been a dominant name in the alcohol industry for decades. If you’ve ever heard of Royal Challenge, McDowell’s No.1, or Antiquity, you already know some of their most famous brands.
But here’s where it gets even bigger. USL is part of Diageo, a global leader in alcohol-based beverages, with a presence in over 180 countries. This means RCB is backed by a company with deep pockets, international expertise, and strong corporate governance.
Some of the key people leading USL and, by extension, RCB include:
- Mahendra Kumar Sharma (Chairman) – Oversees overall business operations and decision-making.
- Anand Kripalu (MD & CEO) – Handles the strategic vision and management of USL, including its IPL investment.
RCB’s Ownership Journey: From Vijay Mallya to USL
RCB’s ownership has seen major transformations since the franchise was bought in 2008. What started as one of the most expensive IPL team purchases eventually turned into a corporate takeover.
2008: The Vijay Mallya Era Begins
When the IPL was first announced, business tycoons, Bollywood celebrities, and corporate giants all lined up to buy teams. Vijay Mallya, then the head of United Breweries (UB) Group, placed a massive $111.6 million bid to acquire RCB. At the time, this was the second-highest bid for any IPL team.
Mallya’s vision for RCB was glamorous and high-profile—the team was named after Royal Challenge (one of UB Group’s brands), and it featured star players like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and Jacques Kallis from the start.
2015-2016: The Shift to United Spirits
While RCB was making headlines in the IPL, things weren’t going well for Mallya’s businesses. Legal troubles, financial debts, and company takeovers meant that by 2015, Diageo India (a subsidiary of global giant Diageo) had acquired control of United Spirits Limited.
By 2016, Vijay Mallya completely exited the scene, and United Spirits Limited became the sole owner of RCB. From this point on, the franchise moved away from controversies and focused on financial stability and professional management.
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How Does USL Benefit from Owning RCB?
1. A Perfect Branding Opportunity
USL owns Royal Challenge, McDowell’s, and Antiquity—some of the most recognised alcohol brands in India. While direct alcohol advertising is restricted, owning RCB allows them to promote these brands indirectly. You’ll often see Royal Challenge Sports Drink as an official partner, ensuring visibility while following advertising laws.
2. Strengthening Global Presence
Since USL is part of Diageo, RCB serves as a global marketing tool. The IPL has 120+ countries broadcasting matches, making it the perfect platform for international brand positioning.
3. A Highly Engaged Fanbase
RCB fans are some of the most loyal and passionate in the IPL. The brand value of RCB extends beyond cricket, allowing USL to tap into a massive consumer base that aligns with its premium branding.
With USL’s backing, RCB enjoys financial stability, strong sponsorship deals, and a future-driven management approach.
RCB’s Financial Strength Under USL’s Ownership
1. Sponsorships with Global Brands
RCB has partnered with big names like Qatar Airways, Puma, boAt, Happilo, Hindware Homes, and KEI Wires & Cables. These sponsorships bring in huge revenue every season.
2. Strong Merchandise Sales
RCB’s jerseys, caps, and fan gear are among the best-selling IPL merchandise. The combination of Virat Kohli’s legacy and a massive fan following keeps RCB merchandise sales high year after year.
3. Expansion into Women’s Cricket
RCB has also entered the Women’s Premier League (WPL) with RCB Women (RCB-W). This move shows USL’s commitment to expanding its presence in Indian cricket beyond just the men’s team.
With these multiple revenue streams, RCB is positioned for long-term success under USL’s leadership.
What Does USL’s Ownership Mean for RCB in IPL 2025?
Under United Spirits Limited, RCB has stability, financial backing, and a clear vision. But what does this mean for the team in IPL 2025?
- Stronger Management – No off-field distractions, full focus on cricket.
- Bigger Investments – More money for player acquisitions, training facilities, and staff.
- Consistent Brand Growth – RCB remains a top brand even beyond IPL.
One thing is clear—RCB is in safe hands. The team’s future is backed by corporate expertise, financial strength, and long-term planning.
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RCB’s Chances of Winning IPL 2025
RCB fans have been waiting forever for that one perfect season where everything clicks, and they finally lift the IPL trophy. Every year, hopes are high, and every year, something goes wrong—bad luck, bad form, bad day, something always happens. So, is 2025 going to be different? Let’s break it down.
1. The Squad Looks Strong on Paper (As Always)
RCB always builds a solid team on paper, but the real issue has been consistency on the field. They’ve got the big names, the match-winners, the impact players—but can they finally play as a team when it matters most?
2. Death Bowling—Fixed or Still a Problem?
Bowling at the end overs? Always an issue. No matter how well the team does in the first 15 overs, the last few always go for plenty of runs. If they don’t fix this, same old story again.
3. Pressure Matches—RCB’s Biggest Weakness
RCB reaches playoffs often, but when it comes to the big knockout games, something always collapses. Maybe it’s the expectations, maybe it’s bad luck, but unless they handle pressure better, that trophy will stay out of reach.
4. The Virat Kohli Factor
Even after all these years, Kohli is still the heart of RCB. If he finds form and leads from the front, the team plays differently altogether. But if he struggles, the whole batting order looks shaky.
5. This Could Finally Be the Year
Every year, RCB looks strong, starts well, and gets fans excited, however, they are yet to register the massive victory the fans are looking at. If they fix their death bowling, handle pressure games, and find consistency, they have a real shot at winning IPL 2025. If not? Another season of “Ee Sala Cup Namde” memes.
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Final Thoughts: RCB’s Road Ahead Under USL
From its glamorous beginnings under Vijay Mallya to its corporate-driven success under United Spirits Limited, RCB’s ownership journey has been eventful.
So, while fans wait for that elusive first IPL trophy, one thing is certain—RCB is not just a team; it’s a brand, a legacy, and a powerhouse in Indian cricket. The IPL RCB owner’s name may have changed, but the passion for the team remains stronger than ever.
FAQs
No, he is not connected to RCB anymore. He bought RCB in 2008 but by 2016, he was completely out because of legal and financial troubles. After that, USL took full control, and since then, it’s been a properly managed corporate-owned IPL team.
When Mallya’s business troubles started piling up, Diageo, which already had a stake in USL, took full ownership. Since RCB was part of USL, it automatically became a corporate-owned franchise instead of a personal one.
Alcohol ads are not allowed in India, but sports sponsorships are fair game. By owning RCB, USL promotes its brands indirectly—that’s why you see Royal Challenge Sports Drink as a sponsor. Plus, IPL’s global audience helps them reach beyond India.
Yes and no. Diageo owns USL, so indirectly, yes, but daily cricket operations are handled by USL’s leadership. They bring in corporate professionalism and financial backing, but cricketing decisions are left to the RCB management and coaching staff.
Unless something drastically changes, USL has no reason to sell RCB. They’ve invested heavily in the team, sponsorships, and branding, and as long as IPL keeps growing, RCB will stay under USL’s ownership.
The chaos and controversies from the Mallya days are gone. Now, it’s proper corporate management, smart financial planning, and professional decision-making. No off-field distractions, no unnecessary drama—just cricket and brand building.
