Cricket’s biggest governing body just scored a financial century without stepping onto a pitch. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to pocket over ₹1,550 crore from the record-breaking sale of two iconic IPL franchises — Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals — and the smartest part is that it didn’t have to sell a single asset to earn it.
BCCI Deals That Shook the Cricket World
In late March 2026, two of the most beloved teams in IPL history changed hands on the same day — and the numbers were jaw-dropping.
| Detail | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | Rajasthan Royals (RR) |
|---|---|---|
| Sale Price | $1.78 billion (~₹16,660 crore) | $1.63 billion (~₹15,290 crore) |
| Previous Owner | United Spirits Ltd (USL/Diageo) | Emerging Media Ventures (Manoj Badale) |
| New Owners | Aditya Birla Group, Blackstone, David Blitzer, Times Internet | US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani consortium |
| BCCI’s 5% Cut | ~₹833–845 crore | ~₹751–765 crore |
| Deal Signed | March 24, 2026 | Same day |
| Ownership Transfer | After IPL 2026 season ends | After IPL 2026 season ends |
In doing so, the IPL has become the first cricket league where franchises have been sold for over a billion dollars, with both franchises setting records and becoming the first in IPL history to reach these astronomical valuations.
How BCCI Earns Without Selling Anything
Here’s the clever part — and it’s been in the fine print all along. The BCCI has a five percent transfer clause in all ten franchise agreements, which comes into effect when the ownership of a franchise changes in the IPL, allowing the board to earn a substantial amount whenever team ownership changes.
The transaction fee is typically borne by the buyer, and the clause, coupled with mandatory approvals from the BCCI and IPL Governing Council, ensures the board benefits financially from every ownership transaction. PitchOnnet
So what’s the total? The BCCI is expected to earn around ₹833–835 crore from the RCB deal and approximately ₹765 crore from the Rajasthan Royals transaction, bringing the combined total to ₹1,550–1,583 crore — though the final amount from RR may vary depending on whether subsidiary global teams like Paarl Royals and Barbados Royals are included in the valuation. Cricket Addictor
Who Are the New Owners?
RCB is now owned by a powerful consortium. The deal involves Bolt Ventures, the Aditya Birla Group, funds managed by affiliates of Blackstone Inc, Times Internet, and Metropolitan Media Company. The Bengaluru-based franchise will operate under the chairmanship of Aryaman Birla, son of Kumar Mangalam Birla. PitchOnnet
Rajasthan Royals found a new home in the United States. Kal Somani is a US-based entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience across ed-tech, artificial intelligence, sports technology and data privacy. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, he is the founder of ventures including IntraEdge and Truyo and is also the co-owner of the Motor City Golf Club and an early investor in TGL Golf League and TMRW Sports.
Why IPL Valuations Are Exploding
The numbers reveal something extraordinary about the IPL’s commercial trajectory. The scale of the two deals is underscored by the fact that both individually exceed the combined ₹12,715 crore valuation at which Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans were sold by the BCCI in 2021.
Multiple private equity clients across the US and Europe have initiated enquiries for IPL stakes over the past few months, with industry sources noting that the IPL continues to hold strong on brand value even as geopolitical tensions and economic headwinds prompt investors to pull back from other Indian assets.
The supercharged valuations are likely to trigger stake-sale explorations by other franchise owners, which may further bolster the BCCI’s coffers in the years ahead, especially with the next media rights cycle approaching.
For full IPL 2026 coverage, squad analysis, match predictions, and franchise news, visit TechnoSports. Also check out our in-depth look at the richest IPL franchises and their valuations in 2026 on TechnoSports.
