BCCI is set to earn around ₹1,550 crore from the ₹31,000 crore sale of RCB and Rajasthan Royals, thanks to a 5% transfer fee clause in IPL franchise agreements.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India is poised to secure a major financial gain following the high-value sales of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
In a landmark development, both franchises have been sold to new ownership groups for a combined valuation of approximately ₹31,000 crore. Rajasthan Royals were acquired by a consortium led by US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru were taken over by a group comprising the Aditya Birla Group, investor David Blitzer, and Blackstone.
Individually, Rajasthan Royals were valued at around USD 1.63 billion, while RCB commanded an even higher figure of USD 1.78 billion, reflecting the growing commercial strength of the league.
BCCI to Earn Through Transfer Fee Clause
The BCCI is set to benefit significantly from these deals due to a mandatory clause present in franchise agreements. As per reports, the board will receive nearly ₹1,550 crore as part of a 5 percent transfer fee levied on both transactions.
This clause ensures that every change in franchise ownership contributes financially to the governing body. Additionally, all ownership transfers require formal approval from the IPL Governing Council, further solidifying the board’s control and financial oversight.
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However, the final earnings figure could vary slightly, as associated franchises in other leagues like SA20 and CPL, linked to Rajasthan Royals, are also part of the broader deal.
New Leadership and Future Speculation Around RCB
Following the takeover, a new leadership structure has been outlined for RCB. Aryaman Vikram Birla is set to serve as Chairman, while Satyan Gajwani will take on the role of Vice Chairman. The ownership group also includes key figures like David Blitzer and Viral Patel.
The change in ownership has sparked speculation about potential rebranding, including a possible name change for the franchise, although no official confirmation has been made yet.
As the defending champions of the IPL, RCB will be keen to maintain their dominance, especially after their women’s team also secured the Women’s Premier League 2026 title, marking a strong phase for the Bengaluru-based franchise.
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