Bengaluru: Former Vijay Mallya has reacted to the record-breaking sale of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), expressing satisfaction over the franchise’s exponential growth in value since its inception in 2008.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Mallya congratulated the new owners and reflected on his early investment in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which was widely criticised at the time.

A consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group recently acquired RCB for USD 1.78 billion (over Rs 16,000 crore), making it the most expensive franchise in IPL history. The consortium reportedly includes global investment firm Blackstone, US-based investor David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures, and Times Internet.

“Most people laughed at me,” says Mallya

In his post, Mallya recalled purchasing the RCB franchise for Rs 450 crore during the inaugural IPL season in 2008, a move that drew scepticism from many observers.

“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,” he wrote.

He added that his vision extended beyond cricket, focusing on brand-building through the Royal Challenge identity.

“Behind my much touted madnesses was building the Royal Challenge brand and hence I named the franchise RCB. Immensely gratifying to see my INR 450 crore investment grow to INR 16,500 crores,” he stated.

Emotional connect with RCB and fans

Mallya also highlighted his emotional attachment to the franchise, describing RCB as an integral part of his life. He reminisced about key decisions taken during his tenure, including the selection of a young Virat Kohli, who has since become one of the world’s leading cricketers.

“RCB will always remain a part of my DNA with indelible memories including picking the young Virat Kohli who is now amongst the best in the world,” he noted.

He concluded his message by thanking fans for their unwavering support over the years and urged them to continue backing the franchise.

“To all RCB fans who came on board during my stewardship and beyond, a grateful thank you and please continue to support RCB, the Lion of Bengaluru. Namaskara,” he wrote.

RCB deal sets new benchmark

The acquisition of RCB marks a significant milestone in IPL history, underlining the league’s growing financial strength and global appeal. The franchise, despite not having won an IPL title so far, commands one of the largest fan bases in the tournament.

The deal also includes both the men’s and women’s teams, further enhancing its commercial value. Industry observers believe the high valuation reflects long-term growth potential driven by media rights, sponsorship deals, and expanding global interest in franchise-based cricket leagues.

Rajasthan Royals deal adds to IPL boom

The RCB sale comes close on the heels of another major transaction involving Rajasthan Royals (RR), which was acquired by a US-based consortium led by Kal Somani for USD 1.63 billion (approximately Rs 15,290 crore).

The consortium includes prominent global investors such as Rob Walton of the Walmart family and members of the Hamp family associated with the Ford Motor Company.

Somani, an Arizona-based entrepreneur, is known for founding ventures such as IntraEdge, Truyo.AI, and Academian, spanning technology services, data privacy, and edtech sectors.

Growing global investor interest in IPL

The back-to-back high-value deals for RCB and RR — together exceeding Rs 31,000 crore — highlight the IPL’s stature as one of the most lucrative sports leagues globally. The involvement of international investors and large conglomerates signals strong confidence in the league’s future.

However, these record valuations have also sparked debate among experts regarding sustainability, particularly in relation to current revenue streams and market dynamics.

Conclusion

Mallya’s reaction captures a full-circle moment in IPL history — from scepticism surrounding early franchise investments to today’s multi-billion-dollar valuations. While the league continues to attract global capital and attention, the sharp rise in franchise values also raises important questions about long-term financial viability.

For now, the sale of RCB stands as a testament to how far the IPL has come — transforming from a bold experiment into a global sporting powerhouse.