Bhubaneswar, June 4, 2025: After 18 long years, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally lifted their maiden IPL title on June 3, defeating Punjab Kings by 6 runs in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The victory sent fans into euphoric celebrations across India, while the franchise’s ownership journey—from Vijay Mallya to Diageo and United Spirits Ltd (USL)—resurfaced as a trending topic.
RCB’s Road to Ownership Transformation
In 2008, flamboyant businessman Vijay Mallya purchased RCB for $111.6 million, the second-highest franchise fee at the time, while serving as Chairman of United Spirits Limited (USL). Under his leadership, RCB became one of the most glamorous sides, featuring players like Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and AB de Villiers.
But in 2016, Mallya exited both India and his public role with RCB amid mounting debt and legal troubles. Control of RCB passed to Diageo, which had acquired majority ownership in USL in 2014. Since then, Prathmesh Mishra, Chief Commercial Officer of Diageo India, has led the team’s commercial operations.
In 2023, Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL) was launched by USL to handle all RCB operations, from branding and merchandising to new ventures like RCB Women’s Premier League (WPL) and RCB E-Sports.
IPL 2025 Final: Discipline and Leadership Pay Off
In the IPL 2025 final, RCB posted 190/9, led by Virat Kohli’s 43 off 35 balls. Despite a strong 61-run effort by Shashank Singh for Punjab Kings, RCB’s death-over discipline proved decisive. Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar each grabbed two wickets, restricting Punjab to 184/7.
Under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar and guidance of head coach Andy Flower, RCB’s strategic brilliance finally paid off.
Vijay Mallya Reacts from London
Watching from exile in London, Vijay Mallya expressed joy on social media:
“I’m proud of RCB. My dream team of Kohli, Gayle, and de Villiers was always worthy of the IPL trophy.”
Mallya’s emotional reaction revived memories of RCB’s early years, though fans and analysts agree the turnaround in management under Diageo and USL ensured long-term sustainability and business growth.
Brand Value and Commercial Success
RCB’s brand value soared by 67% to $117 million (₹1,013 crore) in 2024, fueled by:
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Consistent support from Qatar Airways, Puma, and Jio
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The enduring popularity of Virat Kohli
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Community-driven fan engagement
The formation of RCSPL marked a bold step in brand expansion, reflecting RCB’s ambitions beyond cricket into sports entertainment.
A Long-Awaited Dream Realized
RCB won 9 of their 14 league matches and delivered consistent playoff performances, ending their title drought and cementing a place in IPL history. The win is seen not just as a sporting triumph but as a milestone in sports business management.
Virat Kohli’s 18-year journey with RCB—since the inaugural 2008 season—is central to the franchise’s legacy. Fans now look to the future, eager to see how Diageo and USL plan to build on this historic victory.