Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is among the most admired franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Established in 2008 as one of the tournament’s original teams, RCB has consistently garnered a massive fanbase. Despite showcasing impressive performances over the years, the franchise has not yet secured an IPL title. They have reached the finals on three occasions—2009, 2011, and 2016—but ended up as runners-up each time.

Initially, RCB was purchased by industrialist Vijay Mallya in 2008 for a whopping Rs 464 crore (approximately USD 111.6 million), making it the second most expensive team at the time. Finances thereof suffered some woes, and during these troubles evolved loan issues that furthered the shifting of the ownership. Diageo India came on the scene in 2015 after acquiring United Spirits, which today looks after the RCB franchise. Since then, the franchise has remained fairly competitive, making the playoffs multiple times and at least once in the finals in 2016.

As of 2025, RCB continues to be a franchise owned by United Spirits Limited. Prathmesh Mishra, Chief Commercial Officer of United Spirits, also stands as the Chairman of RCB, making him the face of the franchise. Being born on October 18, 1969, Mishra carries with him over 30 years of industry experience with marquee exploits at Pernod Ricard and Diageo India. He has been an ardent promoter of premium spirit beverages in India and has played a significant role in brand building.

United Spirits is a subsidiary of Diageo, a UK-based leader in beverage alcohol. Diageo operates in London and trades in a wide spectrum of products, including whisky, rum, vodka, gin, beer, and wine.

On the commercial side, RCB is in the ambit of leading sponsors: Happilo, KEI Wires and Cables, Qatar Airways, Jio, Hindware Homes, among others. Market presence enhancement is attributed to popular names such as PUMA, boAt, Bira 91, and Nippon Paint. Besides, legendary cricketer Virat Kohli is foremost among these brand ambassadors, thereby immensely supporting the franchise.

In Net-Worth terms, RCB has an estimate of around USD 70 million in 2024 (approx. INR 585 crore). It witnessed major changes in 2016 when Vijay Mallya bowed out amid legal troubles of unpaid loans and transferred all the rights to the United Spirits. He had named the team after his liquor brand, Royal Challenge, and McDowell’s. Mallya now resides in London, and he does not have any stake in the franchise anymore.

Since then, with the change in ownership, RCB entered a relatively quiet period free from controversies. A 2025 franchisee, the stars lineup features Virat Kohli, whereas the rest of the team hosts new talents in the categories of batting, bowling, and all-rounders. The team is presently being led by Rajat Patidar; the new mentor is Andy Flower. Thus, the idea is to finally win an IPL trophy.