Who owns Rajat Patidar led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)? All you need to know

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most popular T20 cricket tournaments in the world, attracting millions of fans. With ten teams representing different cities, IPL has become a massive cricketing event. One of the most talked-about franchises is Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a team that has gained immense popularity despite not winning an IPL title.

RCB, led by Rajat Patidar in the IPL 2025 season, remains a strong contender with star players like Virat Kohli, Liam Livingstone, and Phil Salt. The franchise is among the richest in the league. But who owns Royal Challengers Bengaluru? Let¡¯s take a closer look.

Who is the Chairman of RCB? Meet Prathmesh Mishra

Credit: X

Prathmesh Mishra is the Chairman of RCB according to Jagran Josh and also serving as Managing Director of Diageo in Korea and Japan, as per his Linkedin profile. He has been with Diageo India, the parent company of United Spirits, since 2014 and was promoted to his current role in 2017.

With over 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business operations, Prathmesh has played a key role in expanding the footprint of premium spirits in India. He has worked with leading liquor brands like Pernod Ricard and Mohan Meakins before joining Diageo India. Under his leadership, RCB has strengthened its brand value and fan engagement, making it one of the most valuable franchises in the IPL 2025 season.

Who Owns Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)?

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise is owned by United Spirits Limited (USL), which is a subsidiary of Diageo Group, a global leader in the alcohol industry.

United Spirits Limited owns several well-known liquor brands, including McDowell¡¯s No.1, Antiquity, and Signature Whisky. The company is one of the biggest spirits manufacturers in the world, and its ownership of RCB has helped strengthen its brand presence in India.

History of RCB Ownership

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Josh Hazlewood celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket | Credit: BCCL

In 2008, the franchise was originally bought by Vijay Mallya, then chairman of Kingfisher Airlines and United Spirits, for $111.6 million.

However, due to financial troubles and unpaid loans, Mallya lost control of United Spirits in 2016.

Following this, Diageo took over United Spirits, making it the sole owner of RCB.

Today, RCB operates under a board formed by United Spirits, which manages the team¡¯s decisions and operations.

United Spirits Net Worth and Financial Strength

United Spirits Limited is a powerhouse in the alcohol industry, with a strong financial portfolio. According to MoneyControl, as of 2024, USL recorded:

• Gross revenue: Rs 25,327 crore
• Net revenue: Rs 10,630 crore

With such financial strength, United Spirits continues to be a dominant player in the market while ensuring strong support for RCB in the IPL 2025 season.

RCB¡¯s Net Worth and Brand Value in 2025

As of IPL 2025, RCB¡¯s brand value has seen tremendous growth. Here are the latest figures:

• RCB¡¯s brand worth: $117 million (approximately Rs 1,013 crore)
• Year-on-year growth: 67%

This significant increase is due to the team's massive fan following, strong digital presence, and strategic commercial deals. Despite not having won an IPL title, RCB remains one of the most influential franchises in the league.

How United Spirits Became Part of Diageo

The ownership of United Spirits has changed over the years. Here¡¯s how Diageo acquired the company:

• May 27, 2013: Diageo acquired a 10% stake in United Spirits.
• July 4, 2013: The company increased its stake to 25.02%.
• Over time, Diageo became the majority shareholder, gaining full control over United Spirits, which owns RCB.
• With this acquisition, Diageo restructured the management of United Spirits and the RCB franchise.

Popular Brands Owned by United Spirits

United Spirits is known for its premium liquor brands, many of which have won international awards. Some of the company¡¯s top brands include:

• Black Dog Centenary Scotch Whisky
• Antiquity Blue Whisky
• Signature Whisky
• McDowell¡¯s No.1 Brandy
• Romanov Vodka
• Blue Riband Gin

Additionally, United Spirits owns Whyte & Mackay, a well-known Scotch whisky brand, and Bouvet Ladubay, a French champagne subsidiary.

RCB¡¯s Performance in IPL History

While RCB has never won an IPL trophy, the team has been a strong contender in multiple seasons. Here¡¯s a look at their best performances:

Finalists: 2009, 2011, 2016

Playoff appearances: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024

Despite coming close to winning the title, RCB has built a legacy with its powerful batting line-up and dedicated fan base.

CSK vs RCB, IPL 2025 Predicted XIs

CSK predicted playing XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, MS Dhoni(wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed

Impact Sub: Rahul Tripathi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti

RCB predicted playing XI: Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Impact Sub: Devdutt Padikkal/Yash Dayal

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) full squad

Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is one of the most valuable franchises in the IPL 2025 season. Owned by United Spirits, which is a part of the Diageo Group, the team continues to grow in brand value and market influence. With Prathmesh Mishra as the Chairman and a strong squad led by Rajat Patidar, RCB remains a top contender in the league.

With a passionate fan base and significant financial backing, RCB¡¯s journey in the IPL 2025 season will be exciting to watch. Will this be the year they finally win their first IPL title? Fans are eagerly waiting to find out!.

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