The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has already concluded, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning the trophy for the second time and becoming the third team to win it in consecutive seasons. After the season’s conclusion, there was tension among the fans about the possible name change of the franchise after the takeover by Aditya Birla Group.
Now, the franchise co-owner and the chairman of the franchise, Aryaman Birla, has confirmed yet again that the franchise’s name will not change despite the change in ownership. This is a massive boost for the fans who have supported the franchise for 19 years and have been through their toughest times when the side had no IPL trophies.
Aryaman Birla confirms no change in RCB’s name
Aryaman Birla, while speaking with the media, stated that they have no plans to change the name of RCB, as the franchise is a huge brand and the current owners also love the name, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This is not the first confirmation coming from the current owners of the franchise; previously, they have informed the same.
“Royal Challengers Bengaluru — the name will not change. It’s a huge brand and we love the name”, said Aryaman Birla, chairman, RCB (as quoted by Rev Sportz).
Aryaman previously said the group wants the franchise to become more than a two-month IPL proposition by building a year-round community and strengthening its connection with fans.
“We have to make sure that we invest very deeply, continue to invest in the cricket,” he said. “If we can take the 30% of other revenue to 50%, I think that’s where the value will be created for us,” he said while speaking on Fortune India a week back.
Previously, back in March 2026, Aryaman Birla’s elder sister, Ananya Birla, informed through an Instagram Story, which was reposted by her, that they bought the franchise alongside two other consortiums named Blackstone’s, and Bolt Ventures. In the same story, she mentioned that whatever happens, the name will not change.
Who are the owners of RCB?
Aditya Birla Group (ABG) paid USD 1.78 billion (roughly INR 16,706 crore) for the whole equity investment in IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru from the then owner, United Spirits Limited.
The alliance also included Blackstone’s permanent private equity strategy, BXPE, which is operated by the company’s CEO, Viral Patel; Bolt Ventures, which is owned by American investor David Blitzer; and the media conglomerate Times of India. The ownership change included RCB’s men’s and women’s (WPL) teams.
RCB’s recent performance
Under their new owner, they became the champions once again, beating Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. This was their second trophy in two back-to-back seasons under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar. He has been guiding the side well since being appointed as the leader.
The franchise will look to win more IPL trophies and provide some happiness to the fans and the management as well. As their face, Virat Kohli remains one of the key factors in getting better sponsors and co-sponsors.
