The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has taken a significant step ahead of IPL 2026, announcing that its flagship brand Nandini will serve as the official dairy partner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The partnership comes just days before the tournament kicks off on March 28, adding a strong regional flavour to one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
For RCB, this season carries added weight. The Bengaluru-based franchise enters IPL 2026 as defending champions after finally lifting their maiden title last year. With a massive fan base across India and beyond, the team remains one of the most marketable brands in the league—making this collaboration a strategic move for both sides.
KMF Managing Director B. Shivaswamy подчеркed that the association is more than just a commercial deal. It represents the coming together of two iconic Karnataka brands, sharing a vision to promote sports and youth engagement. Nandini, a household name in the state, has long been associated with grassroots initiatives, and this partnership is expected to amplify its outreach during the IPL season.
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As part of the deal, Nandini will launch multiple promotional campaigns, leveraging RCB’s popularity to connect with younger audiences. The collaboration is also expected to boost brand visibility across stadiums, digital platforms, and fan engagement activities throughout the tournament.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) posts, “Karnataka’s pride, the Nandini brand, is now the official dairy partner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the champions of the last IPL season. The synergy between Nandini’s trusted legacy and RCB’s sporting excellence will be a key… pic.twitter.com/lY0HM2U3u3
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 24, 2026
Meanwhile, preparations at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium are in full swing, with authorities focusing heavily on safety and crowd management. Seemanth Kumar Singh confirmed that comprehensive security and traffic arrangements have been put in place for the upcoming matches, including the season opener and the April 5 fixture.
Strict entry protocols will be enforced, allowing only spectators with valid digital tickets inside the stadium. Authorities have made it clear that no bystanders without tickets will be permitted near the venue. Fans have also been advised to arrive early to avoid last-minute congestion.
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To streamline logistics, integrated parking options and metro connectivity have been introduced, encouraging the use of public transport. With both commercial partnerships and security measures aligning, IPL 2026 in Bengaluru promises to deliver not just thrilling cricket, but also a well-organised fan experience.
