Vijay Mallya Almost Bought Mumbai Indians Before Losing Out to Mukesh Ambani
As Mallya trends for his viral podcast, his near-deal for Mumbai Indians resurfaces — a ₹1 crore difference that changed the face of the IPL forever.
Key Takeaways with an IPL Focus:
Mallya’s First IPL Target Was Not RCB
During the 2008 franchise auction, Vijay Mallya initially aimed to buy the Mumbai-based team. His bid of ₹112 crore was narrowly outdone by Mukesh Ambani’s ₹113 crore offer.
The Miss That Led to Royal Challengers Bangalore
After losing out on Mumbai, Mallya redirected his focus and acquired the Bengaluru franchise — Royal Challengers Bangalore — for the same ₹112 crore.
RCB Was Envisioned as a Lifestyle Brand
Mallya had a clear strategy: make RCB a bold, city-connected franchise that mixed cricket with glamour. This approach foreshadowed the entertainment-driven model that dominates the IPL today.
Early Backing of Virat Kohli
One of his most significant decisions was backing a young Virat Kohli right from the beginning. That early trust turned Kohli into the face of the franchise and one of the league’s biggest stars.
The ₹1 Crore Sliding Doors Moment
Had Mallya won Mumbai, the league’s balance of power — both sporting and commercial — could have shifted dramatically. The rivalry between MI and RCB might never have existed in the form we know today.
Strategic Lessons for Today’s IPL Franchises
Mallya’s blueprint — team identity, strong branding, player loyalty, and market visibility — continues to influence how IPL franchises are built and marketed.
This forgotten twist in IPL ownership history has resurfaced thanks to Mallya’s trending podcast, offering a timely moment to revisit how a one-crore gap shaped two of the league’s most iconic teams. For sports fans and IPL followers, it’s a reminder that off-field decisions can define on-field legacies.
