Vijay Mallya, former owner of RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), reacted to the franchise’s record-breaking sale, taking a swipe at critics who had once dismissed his investment as a ‘vanity project.’
In a post on X following the blockbuster deal, Mallya said it was ‘immensely gratifying’ to see the team’s valuation surge. Reflecting on RCB’s surge in valuation, he says early scepticism around the franchise has been proven wrong.
Link to the post:
I would like to heartily congratulate the new owners of RCB. I wish them the very best and Godspeed with the most valuable IPL franchise. When I bought the franchise in 2008 for INR 450 crores, most people laughed at me and criticised my investment as a vanity project. Behind my…
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) March 26, 2026
Mallya recalled that he had acquired the franchise in 2008 for Rs 450 crore at a time when ‘most people laughed’ at the move. RCB was recently sold for around $1.78 billion (over Rs 16,000 crore), making it one of the most valuable franchises in IPL history.
Congratulating the new owners, Mallya said his original vision was to build the brand through the franchise, adding that the sharp rise in valuation validates that strategy. He also pushed back at early criticism, noting that what was once seen as a questionable investment has now proven its long-term value, as the franchise’s worth multiplied significantly over the years.
