Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Aditya Birla Group Rules Out Royal Challengers Bengaluru Name Change
The Aditya Birla Group is now involved with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru cricket team.
Some people wondered whether the team would get a new name.
Aryaman Birla said that will not happen.
He said fans love the RCB name and the team has a strong community.
The group sees sports as a valuable long-term investment.
Its Reebok brand is also working with NorthEast United FC.
Birla said the football club is closely connected to its region and community.
He believes companies should continue supporting young sports leagues.
Reebok hopes to become part of people’s fitness, sports and everyday lives.
Aryaman Birla ruled out changing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru name after the Aditya Birla Group entered the franchise.
Birla called RCB one of India’s strongest sporting brands, citing its fan support and community traction.
The group views sports as a long-term investment and its first major foray into the sector.
Through Reebok, the Aditya Birla Group is also associating with NorthEast United FC.
Birla said Reebok aims to reconnect with Indian sports, fitness and wellness while supporting football communities.
- Who
- Aryaman Birla and the Aditya Birla Group, including its Reebok brand.
- What
- The group ruled out changing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru name and discussed its broader sports strategy.
- When
- In comments reported in the article; no specific date was provided.
- Where
- India, including the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise and NorthEast United FC’s region.
- Why
- The group believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru is a strong, widely loved brand and sees sports as a long-term investment with broad consumer reach.
Name-Change Speculation
Aditya Birla Group Position
Royal Challengers Bengaluru name
Name-Change Speculation
Speculation suggested the franchise might be renamed after the Aditya Birla Group’s entry.
Aditya Birla Group Position
Aryaman Birla said no name change is planned and that the group wants to retain the Royal Challengers Bengaluru name.
Role of sports investment
Name-Change Speculation
The group’s entry prompted questions about whether its involvement could reshape the franchise’s identity.
Aditya Birla Group Position
Birla said sports is a long-term investment and that the group values RCB’s existing brand, fan support and community traction.
Support for Indian football
Name-Change Speculation
Challenges facing Indian football and uncertainty around the Indian Super League create concerns about investment in the sport.
Aditya Birla Group Position
Birla said companies have a responsibility to support leagues, players and sports, while highlighting NorthEast United FC’s strong regional community.
- Team name
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru will retain its current name.
- Aditya Birla Group view
- Aryaman Birla described RCB as one of India’s strongest sporting brands.
- Sports strategy
- The group considers sports a long-term investment and its first major foray into the sector.
- Other sports association
- Reebok has associated with NorthEast United FC.
- Reebok ambition
- Reebok aims to reclaim a position in Indian sports, fitness and wellness.
- Football outlook
- Birla acknowledged challenges in Indian football and uncertainty around the Indian Super League.
- Community focus
- Birla said NorthEast United FC offers access to the football culture and community of its region.