Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is one of the most followed teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), known for its star-studded line-up, passionate fan base, and intense social media presence. But behind the scenes, fans often wonder: Who owns RCB? Is it a celebrity, a private company, or someone else entirely?
Let’s break down everything you need to know about RCB’s owner name, CEO, and the management structure of this iconic franchise in 2025.
Ownership History of RCB
RCB was originally purchased by Vijay Mallya, the chairman of United Breweries Group, during the inaugural IPL season auction in 2008. The franchise was bought for $111.6 million, making it one of the most expensive IPL teams at the time.
However, following financial and legal troubles surrounding Mallya and his companies, the ownership structure changed.
Transition to United Spirits and Diageo
After Mallya’s exit from active roles, the control of RCB was taken over by United Spirits Limited (USL), which was then acquired by the British multinational company Diageo plc. Since then, Diageo has been the corporate entity that manages and owns the RCB franchise.
Who Owns RCB in 2025?
As of IPL 2025, the owner of RCB is United Spirits Limited, a subsidiary of Diageo India.
Quick Fact:
- RCB team owner name in 2025 – United Spirits Limited (Diageo India)
- RCB franchise owner type – Private company, not a celebrity or individual
While Bollywood and cricket celebrities often endorse or support the team, RCB is not celebrity-owned. This sets it apart from franchises like Punjab Kings (co-owned by Preity Zinta) or Kolkata Knight Riders (co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan). For a broader look at franchise ownership across all teams, check out our updated IPL Team Owners List for 2025.
Who is the CEO of RCB in 2025?
As of 2025, the CEO of RCB is Rajesh Menon. He has been an integral part of the franchise’s leadership team and continues to play a significant role in shaping RCB’s off-field strategies, branding, and fan engagement.
RCB CEO Role Explained
While United Spirits owns RCB, the CEO is responsible for:
- Overseeing day-to-day operations
- Managing branding and digital presence
- Handling partnerships and sponsorships
- Leading marketing campaigns and fan outreach
So, the RCB owner and CEO are different in function:
- The owner (United Spirits) controls the franchise and holds financial rights.
- The CEO (Rajesh Menon) manages the business and brand operations.
Company Behind RCB: United Spirits & Diageo
About United Spirits
United Spirits is India’s largest alcohol beverage company and is part of the Diageo Group, headquartered in London. Diageo is known globally for brands like Johnnie Walker, Guinness, and Smirnoff.
When Diageo acquired a majority stake in United Spirits, it also indirectly took ownership of the RCB IPL franchise.
Fun Fact:
Despite their cricket popularity, RCB is the only IPL team directly owned by a global alcohol brand.
Recent Changes in RCB Ownership or Management
There haven’t been major ownership changes in recent years. However, RCB has undergone a significant brand revamp, particularly between 2020–2023:
- New team logo and color tone
- Increased focus on digital engagement through RCB Bar & Café, podcasts, and YouTube content
- More emphasis on nurturing young Indian talent
While Diageo and United Spirits have retained ownership, the operational leadership team under Rajesh Menon has brought a fresh approach to the RCB brand.
FAQs About RCB’s Ownership & Management
Q1: Who owns RCB in IPL 2025?
A: RCB is owned by United Spirits Limited, a subsidiary of Diageo India.
Q2: Is RCB owned by a celebrity?
A: No, RCB is not owned by a celebrity. It is owned by a corporate entity – United Spirits.
Q3: Who is the CEO of RCB?
A: The current RCB CEO is Rajesh Menon, who has been in the role since before 2020.
Q4: What’s the difference between RCB’s owner and CEO?
A: The owner controls financial and legal ownership, while the CEO handles the team’s operations, branding, and management.
Q5: Has the ownership of RCB changed recently?
A: No. There have been no major changes. United Spirits has consistently remained the owner since Vijay Mallya’s exit.
Final Thoughts: RCB’s Strong Corporate Backing
While some IPL teams are co-owned by Bollywood celebrities or cricketers, RCB stands out as a professionally-run franchise backed by a global brand. This corporate foundation allows RCB to focus heavily on digital innovation, brand building, and maintaining a high-value presence in the league.
Whether you’re a fan curious about the RCB team owner name, or a cricket follower wanting insights into IPL team owners 2025, the Royal Challengers Bangalore continues to be one of the most commercially influential franchises in the league.
