RCB Record Sale: Mallya Claims Vindication as Aditya Birla Group Pays Rs 16,500 Crore
Mallya recalls buying RCB for Rs 450 crore as the Aditya Birla Group seals a historic IPL acquisition.
Vijay Mallya has reacted to the record-breaking sale of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, expressing satisfaction over the franchise’s exponential growth in value since its inception. The former owner took to X to reflect on his initial investment and the criticism he faced at the time.
A consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group recently acquired the franchise for $1.78 billion (over ₹16,000 crore), making it the most expensive team in the history of the Indian Premier League. The investor group also includes global firms such as Blackstone and Bolt Ventures, along with other stakeholders, underscoring the growing commercial appeal of IPL franchises.
Reacting to the development, Mallya recalled purchasing the team in 2008 for ₹450 crore, noting that the decision was widely mocked at the time. He stated that many critics had dismissed the investment as a vanity project, but he remained focused on building the Royal Challenge brand through the team’s identity and long-term vision.
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Mallya described the surge in valuation as deeply gratifying, highlighting how the franchise’s worth has grown nearly 35 times over the years. He also extended his congratulations to the new owners and wished them success in managing what is now regarded as the league’s most valuable franchise.
Reflecting on his tenure, Mallya emphasised his role in shaping the early identity of the team, including backing a young Virat Kohli, who went on to become one of the world’s leading batsmen. He noted that the memories associated with the franchise remain a significant part of his legacy.
The record deal comes amid rising valuations across IPL franchises, with recent acquisitions reflecting strong investor confidence in the league’s long-term growth. Mallya also thanked fans who supported the team during his ownership, urging them to continue backing the Bengaluru-based franchise as it enters a new phase under its current ownership.
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