Vijay Mallya Breaks Silence After Landmark RCB Sale
Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru owner Vijay Mallya has publicly addressed the historic sale of the IPL franchise for the first time, describing it as an emotional moment and declaring that RCB "will always remain a part of my DNA." His heartfelt post on social media platform X struck a deeply nostalgic tone, revisiting the team's formative years and its extraordinary financial appreciation.
Congratulating New Owners and Reflecting on Early Investment
In his statement, Mallya extended warm congratulations to the new ownership consortium, which is led by the Aditya Birla Group and Times of India Group. "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," he wrote. He then reflected on his controversial decision in 2008 to purchase the franchise for INR 450 crores, a move that many skeptics dismissed as a mere vanity project.
Mallya defended this initial investment, explaining it was part of a broader strategic vision to build the Royal Challenge brand, which inspired the franchise's name. "Behind my much touted madnesses was building the Royal Challenge brand, and hence I named the franchise RCB," he elaborated. The wisdom of that gamble is now undeniable, with the franchise's valuation soaring to approximately INR 16,600 crore. "Immensely gratifying to see my INR 450 crore investment grow to INR 16,600 crore," Mallya added, emphasizing the exponential growth of both the IPL league and the RCB brand identity.
Memorable Moments and Legacy with Virat Kohli
One of the most poignant aspects of Mallya's message was his recollection of supporting a young Virat Kohli during the early stages of his career. "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," Mallya noted, directly linking the franchise's storied journey to the rise of one of cricket's most iconic global superstars. This connection underscores a significant part of RCB's legacy under his stewardship.
Mallya also expressed profound gratitude to the passionate RCB fanbase, stating, "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." This appeal highlights the enduring bond between the franchise and its supporters, which has been a cornerstone of its success.
Historic Ownership Transition Details
The emotional post follows a monumental ownership shift in Indian Premier League history. A powerful consortium comprising the Aditya Birla Group, Times of India, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone has acquired 100% of the franchise from United Spirits, a subsidiary of Diageo Plc. This landmark deal, recognized as the largest transaction in IPL annals, encompasses ownership of both the men's IPL team and the women's Premier League (WPL) team, marking a new chapter for the franchise.
The sale not only represents a significant financial milestone but also signals a strategic evolution for RCB as it enters a new era under fresh leadership, while carrying forward the rich legacy built during Mallya's tenure.
