Will RCB Change Its Name After Ownership Shift?

In a significant development for cricket fans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is reportedly set to undergo an ownership change before the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. This decision, spurred by Diageo PLC’s interest in selling the team, has left many RCB fans anxious about a potential change in the franchise’s name.

What’s Happening with RCB?

Diageo, the British spirits company, considers RCB as a ‘non-core’ asset and wishes to divest. Ownership interests are being shown by notable figures, including Adar Poonawalla from the Serum Institute of India and Parth Jindal, co-owner of the Delhi Capitals. The news of ownership changes has fans deeply concerned.

Fans fear that, alongside the change in ownership, RCB might also lose its established name, similar to the fate of other franchises in the league. This speculation isn’t without merit, as name changes have occurred in similar situations in the past.

The History Behind RCB’s Name

RCB’s name originated from Vijay Mallya’s decision to brand the team after his whiskey label, Royal Challenge, intending to boost brand visibility. Despite the corporate overhaul when Diageo took control in 2016 — after Mallya stepped down as Chairman — RCB retained its name. This may indicate that a name change is not an inevitability.

Market Value Considerations

Despite fears, analysts suggest that changing the name might not be in the best interest of potential buyers. RCB currently enjoys the highest valuation among IPL franchises. Maintaining brand consistency could be pivotal for the new owners who hope to capitalize on this equity.

Recent precedent within the cricket domain shows varied approaches to name use following ownership changes. Recently, The Sun Group altered the name of their franchise from Northern Superchargers to Sunrisers Leeds. However, there are significant differences in ownership dynamics with RCB.

What’s Next?

As the situation unfolds, the key takeaway for RCB fans is uncertainty; while changes are afoot, the franchise’s identity might remain intact under new stewardship. As new prospective owners emerge, the community will have to wait and see how it all turns out.

The official announcement regarding ownership and the potential name change is expected before March 31, 2026. Until then, RCB fans will keep their fingers crossed for continuity in the brand they love.