The sale of Royal Challengers Bengaluru ( RCB) took a step closer to its finalisation with the Competition Commission of India CCI) giving the nod to the Aditya Birla led consortium to acquire the IPL franchise from Diageo in all cash deal of USD 1.78 billion (around 16700 crore). While the approval of the regulators has been obtained, ownership has not been transferred. The BCCI will scrutinize the deal again before giving its final approval. BCCI Approval is the Final Step Following the CCI's approval, the BCCI will scrutinize the shareholding pattern, bank guarantees as well as the company's finances for the consortium. The review is scheduled to get under way this month, with a formal announcement anticipated sometime prior to October. The outcome from the remaining approval is considered a mere formality given the decision by the CCI. The franchise will be managed through Big Banyan Holdings and will be supported by the Aditya Birla Group. The diversified business conglomerate already had links with the IPL by sponsoring Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals. Birla Estates, the real estate arm of the group, was also a partner of the Gujarat Titans during the IPL 2026. Led by global investment house Blackstone, Sports investment company Bolt Ventures (owned by David Blitzer) and Times Internet Limited are part of the consortium. Also Read | 5 Australian Cricketers Who Played for Another Country After Representing Australia RCB Enter a New Chapter After Recent Success The sale process was initiated in November 2025 when Diageo forayed into a strategic review of its non-core businesses, of which RCB was a part. Several leading business groups vied to acquire the franchise, with the consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group eventually emerging as the successful bidder. Notable faces associated with them were the Glazers of Manchester United, who were part of the process along with Adar Poonawalla. Poonawalla went on to be part of a consortium led by Lakshmi Mittal that bought Rajasthan Royals. The change of ownership is occurring at a pivotal time for the franchise. RCB had quite the successful season earlier this year, winning their second IPL title in as many years and becoming only the third franchise to successfully defend their crown after the Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. RCB have also won the Women's Premier League in the years 2024 and 2026 under the captaincy of Smriti Mandhana, and hence they have been successful in securing the Women's Premier League title in these years. Another piece of good news for the franchise came recently when CEO Rajesh Menon said that we are expecting Virat Kohli to continue with us for "at least three to four years". Now. Once approval from the BCCI has been received, one of the biggest ownership changes in IPL history will have been fully completed.