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RCB bag new partnership deal as Qatar Airways steps down as title sponsor before IPL 2026

Harsh Adwani

RCB ends sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways [Source: @Rcbianofficial/x.com]RCB ends sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways [Source: @Rcbianofficial/x.com]

Qatar Airways has stepped down as the title sponsor for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The defending champions have now bagged another deal with London-based technology company, Nothing.

RCB's partnership with Qatar Airways ran between 2023 and 2025 and was reportedly valued at ₹275 crores for three years. Now, the smartphone and tech company Nothing has taken over the title sponsorship with an aim to expand their presence in the Indian market. 

Meanwhile, the franchise that won their maiden IPL title in 2025 find themselves without an owner. Diageo, the current owner of the team, have initiated the process of sale and are targeting to close a deal before the start of the new season. 

Many potential buyers have expressed interest in acquiring the team, with Serum Institute of India's Aadar Poonawala emerging as one of the top contenders. These changes in management and sponsorship have been in talks since the tragic stampede incident outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during their victory celebrations, in which 11 people lost their lives.

RCB gears for IPL 2026 player auctions

The 2025 champions are now preparing for the IPL 2026 player auctions, which are slated to be held in Abu Dhabi on the 16th of December. However, before that, all the teams are required to submit the list of retained players before the 15th of November. 

RCB are not expected to make too many changes to their squad that helped them win their maiden IPL title. For them to do well in the next season, they will have to make sure that they identify and retain their core. However, they would like to get rid of some players who did not have the best run last season and free up some funds for the auctions in December.