'Will always remain a part of my DNA ' - Vijay Mallya reacts to RCB's sale ahead of IPL 2026

Published - 26 Mar 2026, 14:32 IST | Updated - 26 Mar 2026, 14:32 IST

Vijay Mallya has congratulated the new owners of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the start of their title-defence at the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). The founder and former owner of the franchise also reflected on how his investment of INR 450 crore back in 2008 is worth upwards of INR 16,500.

The 2025 IPL champions were taken over by a consortium led by Aditya Birla and The Times of India just days before the start of the new season.

Mallya took to social media to recall the time when he first purchased RCB and people were quick to dismiss it as a publicity stunt to promote his Royal Challenge brand without seeing his future. The same franchise is now one of the most valuable cricket teams in the world and successful on the pitch through both its men’s and women’s teams.

“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. When I bought the franchise in 2008 for INR 450 crores, most people laughed at me and criticised my investment as a vanity project. Behind my much touted madnesses was building the Royal Challenge brand and hence I named the franchise RCB. Immensely gratifying to see my INR 450 crore investment grow to INR 16,500 crores,” Mallya said on his X (formerly Twitter) profile.

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. When I bought the franchise in 2008 for INR 450 crores, most people laughed at me and criticised my investment as a vanity project. Behind my…

Despite not being linked to the franchise anymore, Mallya said how RCB will always be close to his heart and insists the Bengaluru supporters continue supporting their franchise as it embarks on a new era under brand new owners.

“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. 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,” he added.

RCB, under its new regime, will play the opening game of the 2026 IPL season against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, March 28.