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Cricket fans, particularly those who follow Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), will always remember the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. After 18 years of heartbreak, near-misses, and intense fan loyalty, RCB finally clinched their maiden IPL title in 2025. Curious supporters asked one question as the joyous screams filled the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium: Who owns RCB in 2025?
As of 2025, Royal Challengers Bangalore is fully owned by United Spirits Limited (USL), a subsidiary of the British multinational beverage company Diageo. The name "Royal Challengers" is inspired by one of USL's popular liquor brands, Royal Challenge.
This ownership structure has been in place since 2016, after the controversial exit of former owner Vijay Mallya, who had originally acquired the team in 2008 for $111.6 million – the second-highest bid at the time. Due to legal troubles and unpaid debts, Mallya was forced to relinquish ownership, allowing Diageo to purchase United Spirits and take complete control of the team.
Mahendra Kumar Sharma is United Spirits' chairman.
CEO & Managing Director: Hina Nagarajan
Under their leadership, the team has grown into one of the IPL's most professionally run franchises. Today, performance, sponsorships, and brand development take priority over mere glitz and controversy.
Royal Challengers Bangalore's brand value was expected to reach $117 million (~₹1013.17 crore) in 2024–2025, a 67% increase from the previous year. This surge in valuation is attributed to:
Winning the IPL 2025 trophy
Star player association, especially Virat Kohli
Robust sponsorship deals
Active merchandise and fan engagement through collaborations with brands like PUMA and boat
United Spirits Limited – The Corporate Giant behind RCB
The biggest alcoholic beverage firm in India, United Spirits Limited (USL), is a division of Diageo plc, one of the top producers of luxury beverages worldwide. USL manufactures renowned brands such as:
McDowell's No.1
Royal Challenge
Signature
Antiquity
Black Dog
The RCB franchise benefits significantly from the financial support and global corporate governance of its parent company, Diageo. Diageo contributes valuable resources and experience to the team as the owner of well-known brands like Baileys, Smirnoff, and Johnnie Walker.
A significant turning point was the ownership shift following Mallya. The emphasis shifted from controversy and the spotlight to professional management and performance-oriented cricket. From investing in coaching and data analytics to strengthening the player retention plan, USL's ownership has played a significant role in turning RCB into a competitive organization.
This commitment finally bore fruit in IPL 2025, as RCB lifted their first-ever IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings in a dramatic final, ending an 18-year-long wait.
RCB Sponsors and Partners in 2025
Title Sponsors: Qatar Airways
Key Sponsors: KEI Wires & Cables, Hindware, Happilo, Jio
Merchandise Partners: PUMA, boAt
Other Partners: Nippon Paint, DNA Networks, Bira 91
These sponsorships improve the brand's visibility and fan interaction across platforms in addition to increasing income.
Also Check: IPL Team Owners List 2025
In 2025, the RCB narrative is one of change, resilience, and reconciliation. While the team will always be synonymous with the star power of icons like Virat Kohli, its success has been driven by the strong backing of United Spirits Limited-a Diageo-owned powerhouse with a proven track record in global branding and corporate excellence.
So, to answer the burning question:
RCB Owner Name 2025: United Spirits Limited (a subsidiary of Diageo)
Chairperson: Mahendra Kumar Sharma
CEO: Hina Nagarajan
Franchise Net Worth: $117 million (~₹1013 crore)
Royal Challengers Bangalore has evolved from a promising squad to a champion franchise with a sizable fan base, a strong business foundation, and a championship to prove its value.
