The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to generate massive revenue following the sale of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Notably, the BCCI will earn approximately ₹1,550 crore to ₹1,583 crore from franchise acquisitions ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has a mandatory five percent transfer fee included in all IPL agreements. As a result, the governing body earns a substantial profit whenever team ownership changes, allowing it to benefit directly from the rising value of these major cricket franchises.
RCB and Rajasthan Royals Deals Generate Massive Revenue For BCCI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru were valued at $1.78 billion (around ₹16,706 crore) after being acquired by a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group. Meanwhile, United States-based entrepreneur Kal Somani purchased Rajasthan Royals for approximately $1.63 billion (around ₹15,290 crore).
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Combined, the two Indian Premier League franchises were valued at nearly ₹31,000 crore. Under the five percent transfer clause, the BCCI is expected to earn around ₹833 crore to ₹835 crore from the RCB deal.
The board is also likely to earn approximately ₹765 crore from the Rajasthan Royals transaction, although the final amount may vary depending on the inclusion of subsidiary global teams.
Rajasthan Royals Deal Presents Complexities For BCCI Transfer Fee
While the BCCI payout from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru acquisition is relatively straightforward, the Rajasthan Royals deal involves additional complexities.
According to reports, the $1.63 billion valuation may include other cricket properties owned by Emerging Media Ventures, such as the Paarl Royals in South Africa and the Barbados Royals from the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Since the BCCI transfer fee applies only to the IPL franchise, officials must separate the standalone value of Rajasthan Royals from the overall portfolio. Both ownership deals will require approval from the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council before becoming official after the 2026 season.
IPL 2026 Set To Begin On March 28 With RCB Match
Aryaman Vikram Birla will serve as Chairman of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with Satyan Gajwani as Vice Chairman. The new leadership group, including investors David Blitzer and Blackstone, will take charge of the defending champions.
There has also been speculation about a possible name change for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, although no official confirmation has been made so far.
The Indian Premier League 2026 season will begin on Saturday, March 28, with RCB facing Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The BCCI has released a 74-match schedule in phases due to ongoing state assembly elections, with the final set for May 31.
Both Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals hold importance as the most recent and inaugural champions, respectively.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are the most successful franchises in the IPL, with five trophies each. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have secured three titles in the tournament.
