📰 Vijay Mallya Hits Back at Critics After RCB Mega Deal, Calls Early Investment ‘Visionary’

Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya has taken a sharp dig at his critics following the massive sale of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), a franchise he had originally founded and backed during the early years of the Indian Premier League.

💰 Record-Breaking Deal

The development comes after United Spirits Limited (USL) announced the sale of RCB in a staggering ₹16,660-crore all-cash deal. The buyers include a powerful consortium comprising:

• Aditya Birla Group

• The Times Group

• Blackstone Inc.

• Bolt Ventures

The deal marks one of the biggest transactions in IPL history, reflecting the soaring commercial value of cricket franchises in India.

🗣️ ‘Not a Vanity Project’

Reacting to the news, Vijay Mallya stated that his initial investment in RCB was often mocked as a “vanity project” at the time. Critics had questioned the financial viability of pouring large sums into a cricket franchise during the early days of the IPL.

However, Mallya now claims that the massive valuation proves his foresight. In a pointed remark, he suggested that those who doubted him have been proven wrong, as the franchise has grown into one of the most valuable brands in global T20 cricket.

🏏 From Glamour to Global Brand

RCB, known for its star-studded line-ups over the years and a massive fan following, has become a key commercial asset in the IPL ecosystem. Despite not having won a title, the team has consistently attracted sponsorships, high viewership, and strong brand engagement.

Industry experts say the latest deal underlines how IPL franchises have evolved from entertainment ventures into high-value sports businesses.

📈 IPL’s Rising Financial Power

The record valuation also highlights the rapid growth of the Indian Premier League as one of the richest sporting leagues in the world. With expanding media rights, sponsorship deals, and global audience reach, franchise values have skyrocketed over the past decade.