When I bought RCB, most people laughed at me: Vijay Mallya

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru owner Vijay Mallya reflects on his decision to buy the franchise in 2008 remembering that many had dismissed the move

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru owner Vijay Mallya has weighed in on the franchise’s stellar valuation, sharing a reflective message on X that has quickly gained traction online.

In his post, Mallya noted that many had dismissed his decision to invest heavily in an IPL team at the time, often labelling it a vanity project. He pointed out that despite the criticism, the franchise has grown significantly in value over the years.

“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,” he wrote.

https://x.com/TheVijayMallya/status/2036971287155720317?s=20

His remarks centred on the idea that what was once questioned has now turned into one of the league’s most commercially successful teams.

He concluded by saying, “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."

What People Are Saying Online

Mallya's post drew mixed responses online, with many acknowledging the complexity of engaging with his legacy.

One user wrote, “Congrats on the 36x return, King of Good Times. Now that your 450cr ‘vanity project’ is worth 16,500cr… any chance you’ll finally pay back the thousands of crores you owe Indian banks? Or is that still someone else’s problem from London?”

Another commented, “The greatest investment you made was to pick Virat Kohli. That guy has single handedly carried the franchise on his shoulders else this team would have faded into oblivion long back Kohli is the singular reason why RCB has one title and DC has zero.”

Another said, “Mixed feelings. Mallya built the brand we love, but his current situation... Anyway, his message is classy. ‘Part of my DNA’ shows real attachment. Excited for the new era! Ee Sala Cup Namde!”

A user noted, “Mallu, see if you would have stayed back here , on this profit itself you would have paid entire loan … n you would have retained UB group urself …”

Another user commented, “Yes, buying RCB for ₹450 crore and integrating it with the 'Royal Challenge' brand was marketing genius. But claiming the ₹16,500 crore ‘growth’ as your personal victory is deeply ironic. You lost the franchise to creditors and Diageo due to severe corporate mismanagement. The asset survived and thrived because of the IPL ecosystem's structural growth, not your financial stewardship.”

The Deal

In a landmark ownership deal Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where former owner United Spirits Limited agreed to sell a 100% stake in the franchise to a consortium comprising the Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone. The all-cash transaction, valued at approximately ₹16,600 crore ($1.78 billion), includes both the IPL and Women’s Premier League teams, making it one of the most expensive franchise deals in global cricket.

RCB acquired by ABG, Times, Bolt and Blackstone consortium for Rs 166B in all-cash deal

RCB is currently the only franchise to hold both the IPL and WPL titles simultaneously, the men’s team won their maiden IPL title in 2025, while the women's team won their second WPL title in February 2026.

With IPL 2026 beginning on March 28 when RCB face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.