IPL: Will RCB's name change following Birla takeover? Chairman gives big statement

RCB became the first team in 2026 to hold the title across the men’s (IPL) and women’s (WPL) competitions.

RCB are entering a new era after the change in ownership, but the fans have been wondering whether the new owners will make any major change to the franchise’s identity. Over the past 19 IPL seasons, RCB’s fanbase has been associated with its name, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru were one of the most renowned franchise teams, even before they had won their first title. Ending their 18-year-long drought, they won their first title in 2025 and immediately doubled it up with another triumph in 2026. 

Amid the growing speculation surrounding their name, the new owners have moved quickly to address it. RCB chairman Aryaman Birla’s recent interview revealed some crucial insights into the development. 

RCB’s name will not change after Birla takeover

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will retain its existing name, with Chairman Aryaman Birla putting an end to the speculation surrounding a possible rebranding of the renowned franchise. 

“Royal Challengers Bengaluru – the name will not change. It’s a huge brand & we love the name,” Birla was quoted as saying by RevSportz.  

Therefore, this statement has brought great relief to RCB supporters. A consortium involving the Aditya Birla Group, Times Group, Bolt Ventures and Blackstone acquired the franchise from United Spirits in a deal reportedly around $1.78 billion, or approximately INR 16,700 crores. 

The franchise once changed its name from ‘Royal Challengers Bangalore’ to ‘Royal Challengers Bengaluru’ to reflect the change in the city’s official name. The new owners are looking to preserve that legacy. 

RCB are now the two-time defending champions of the IPL. They became just the third team, after Chennai Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians, to win consecutive IPL titles.

Last year, in 2026, RCB also became the first franchise to win titles in both men’s and women’s competitions in the same season.

First, RCB Women won the WPL 2026 title, defeating the Delhi Capitals women, and then RCB won the IPL 2026, defeating the Gujarat Titans in the final. This also marked the second title for both the men’s and women’s teams. 

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