Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have no plans to own teams in other international cricket leagues. Instead, they are expanding through merchandise, cafes, and other ventures while strengthening their IPL squad for the upcoming season.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won’t own teams in other cricket leagues. Instead, they will grow their brand through merchandise, cafes, and other businesses while building a strong IPL squad.
RCB Wants to Grow, But Not by Buying Teams in Other Leagues
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has decided not to own teams in other cricket leagues like some IPL franchises. Instead, they plan to grow their brand in different ways.
RCB owned by United Spirits, has been part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) since it started in 2008. Other teams like Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders own cricket teams in leagues around the world, but RCB is taking a different approach.
“Expanding the brand globally doesn’t mean only by participating in cricket,” said RCB’s Chief Operating Officer Rajesh Menon. “We can grow by selling our merchandise in Australia, the U.S., and the U.K. and through our bars and cafes, not just cricket.”
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RCB’s Focusing on Business and Women’s Cricket
While they won’t buy international cricket teams, RCB has already made a big move in women’s cricket. In 2023, they bought the Bengaluru team in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) for over $100 million. Their investment paid off when they won the WPL title under Smriti Mandhana, the most expensive player in the league’s history.
RCB Still Chasing Their First IPL Title
RCB’s men’s team has not won an IPL trophy yet, even though they made the playoffs four times in the last five seasons. They reached the IPL final three times—in 2009, 2011, and 2016—but never won.
“The more times we reach the playoffs, the closer we are to winning,” Menon said. “I don’t think it will take long for us to win. The signs are there.”
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Big Changes for the 2025 IPL Season
Before the 2025 IPL, RCB made major changes to their squad. They kept only three players—Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal. But they added powerful batters like Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt. They also strengthened their bowling with Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
“Our coaching staff is also strong with Andy Flower as coach and Mo Bobat as director of cricket,” Menon said. “They bring fresh ideas to the team… We have a good squad, so let’s see how we do.”
RCB has had cricket legends like Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and AB de Villiers, and they have set many records. Gayle’s 175 not out is still the highest IPL score, and Kohli has the most runs in IPL history.
Even though they haven’t won the IPL yet, RCB believes their new team and strong support staff will help them finally lift the trophy.
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