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

The fear among fans that a change in ownership for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will lead to a name change is understandable, given the history of the Deccan Chargers franchise. However, expert analysis suggests the core brand, “Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB),” is highly unlikely to change even after the sale by current owner Diageo PLC.

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

The primary reason RCB’s name and logo are expected to remain unchanged, despite the sale by Diageo, is the immense financial and brand value attached to the current identity, which is transferred with the sale of the entity itself. Star Sports presenter and commentator Tanay Tiwari clarified the situation, stating:

“Yes, RCB is up for sale, but its name is not going to change. Who is spreading these rumors? It’s completely untrue… Imagine RCB as a person, just like you or me. You have assets like your car or your house; similarly, RCB, the entity, has its own assets, including its trademark So, anyone who buys RCB from Diageo will also buy its trademark.” Tanay said.

The existing brand, logo, and name are considered assets of the franchise entity. Any high-profile buyer, such as those who have expressed interest like Adar Poonawalla or Parth Jindal, would be purchasing the complete business entity, which includes the valuable and highly recognizable RCB trademark. Tiwari emphasized the financial folly of a rebrand:

“Why would someone pay 1.2 billion dollars, almost 10,000 crores, to rebrand the team and give it a new name, when the RCB brand already holds so much value in the market? It doesn’t make sense. When the sale happens, the name, logo, and everything about RCB will remain unchanged. So, don’t listen to these internet rumors; do a little more research. Nothing will change.” Tanay concluded.

For a new owner, retaining the established name is the most logical and financially prudent decision, as it preserves the existing fan base, merchandise revenue, and the billions of dollars of brand equity built up since 2008.

Also READ: Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 5 Indian players RCB can retain ahead of IPL 2026 auction

IPL 2026: The sale and the ‘non-core’ business factor

The change in ownership is being driven by Diageo PLC’s decision to classify RCB as a “non-core” business and their desire to sell their entire stake in the franchise, with the process expected to be completed by March 31, 2026. The original name, Royal Challengers, was chosen by former owner Vijay Mallya to promote his Indian whisky 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 recognized and valuable sports franchises globally. With the sale process overseen by a leading merchant bank and involving high-profile buyers like Adar Poonawalla (CEO of Serum Institute of India) and Parth Jindal (co-owner of Delhi Capitals), the focus of the transaction is on maximizing the sale price, which is tied directly to the value of the existing brand. Therefore, any buyer investing an estimated $1.2 billion (INR 10,000 crores) would be motivated to leverage the existing brand equity, making a name change highly improbable.

Also READ: Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 3 overseas players RCB can retain ahead of IPL 2026 auction