IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Here’s why RCB’s name and brand will stay intact

Fear among fans of change of ownership Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) That a name change would be understandable, given the history Deccan Chargers privilege. However, expert analysis indicates the underlying brand, “Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)” It is unlikely to change hands until after sale by the current owner Diageo plc.

IPL 2026: Why will the RCB name and brand be retained?

The main reason why the RCB name and logo are expected to remain unchanged is, Although Diageo was soldis the enormous financial and brand value associated with the existing identity, which is transferred with the sale of the entity itself. Star Sports presenter and commentator Tanay Tiwari He explained the situation by saying:

“Yes, RCB is for sale, but its name will not change. Who is spreading these rumours? This is absolutely not true… Imagine RCB as a person, just like you and me. You have assets like your car or your house; similarly, RCB, the entity, has its own assets, including its brand. Therefore, anyone who buys RCB from Diageo will also buy its brand.” Tanay said.

The existing trademark, logo and name are assets of the franchise entity. Any high-level buyer, such as those who have expressed interest Poonawalla managed or Parth Jindalwill purchase the complete business entity, which includes the valuable and highly recognizable RCB brand. Tiwari emphasized the financial folly of rebranding:

“Why would someone pay $1.2 billion, nearly Rs 10,000 crore, to rebrand the team and give it a new name, when the RCB brand already has huge value in the market? It doesn’t make sense. When the sale happens, the name, logo and everything related to RCB will remain unchanged. So, don’t listen to these internet rumours; do more research. Nothing will change.” Tanay concluded.

For the new owner, retaining the established name is the most logical and financially wise decision, as it preserves the existing fan base, merchandise revenue, and billions of dollars in brand equity that has been accumulated since 2008.

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IPL 2026: Sale and ‘non-essential’ businessman.

The change in ownership was prompted by Diageo PLC’s decision to classify RCB as a ‘non-core’ company and its desire to sell its entire stake in the franchise, with the process expected to be completed by 31 March 2026. The original name, Royal Challengers, was chosen by the previous owner. Vijay Mallya To promote his Indian whiskey brand Royal Challenge.

However, the brand is no longer just a marketing tool for a spirits company; It has evolved into one of the most popular and valuable sports franchises in the world. With the sale process overseen by a leading commercial bank and involving prominent buyers such as Poonawalla managed (CEO, Serum Institute of India) W Parth Jindal (co-owner of Delhi Capitals), the focus of the deal is to maximize the selling price, which is directly linked to the existing brand value. Therefore, any buyer investing an estimated $1.2 billion (INR 10,000 crore) would be motivated to leverage existing brand equity, making a name change highly unlikely.

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