Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally tasted success as they defeated the Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 wickets to lift their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy.
The Bengaluru-based franchise ended their 18-year trophy drought, as they emerged victorious in the 2025 season at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, gifting one of its oldest members, Virat Kohli, his maiden IPL title.
Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
Following the historic moment, many fans on social media turned nostalgic, remembering the man who started it all -- Vijay Mallya, who bought the franchise way back in 2008 for $112 million US dollars.
READ MORE: Who is 'Mr Nags'? Kohli ends friendship with RCB mascot
What did Vijay Mallya say?
The first owner of the Bengaluru-based franchise, Vijay Mallya recently appeared on Raj Shamani's podcast, where he discussed how he went on to buy the franchise.
Speaking on the podcast, Mallya said, "I was very impressed with the pitch that Lalit Modi made to the BCCI committee about this league. He called me one day and said ok, teams are going to be auctioned. Are you going to buy it? So, I bid from three franchises, and I lost Mumbai by a very small amount of money."
He further revealed that he bought the franchise with the vision to create a team that embodied the true spirit of the city of Bangalore.
"When I bid for the RCB franchise in 2008, I saw the IPL as a game-changer for Indian cricket. My vision was to create a team that embodied the spirit of Bangalore—vibrant, dynamic, glamorous."
Check: When is WTC final? Dates, schedule for World Test Championship 2025
Mallya paid an exorbitant amount of $112 million to acquire the franchise, which he believed was fair considering the potential RCB would possess in the coming years.
"I paid $112 million, the second-highest bid, because I believed in the potential. I wanted RCB to be a brand that stood for excellence, not just on the field but off it too. That's why I tied it to Royal Challenge, one of our top-selling liquor brands, to give it that bold identity."
RCB in IPL: A cricket team or a way to promote Mallya's brand?
Mallya further mentioned that he wanted the franchise to be more than just a cricket team. He wanted to make RCB the most exciting franchise in the Indian Premier League.
“I wanted RCB to be more than a cricket team. It was about creating a lifestyle brand. The after-parties, the cheerleaders, the fan engagement—it was all deliberate to make RCB the most exciting franchise."
"Kingfisher and Royal Challenge were sponsors, so we leveraged that to make every match an event. People called it flashy, but it was strategic. Bangalore loved it, and RCB became the city's heartbeat."
In the podcast, Mallya finally revealed that the sole reason behind him buying RCB was to promote his whisky brand, Royal Challenge, and there was no real love for cricket influencing his decision.