In a significant development ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, consumer technology brand Nothing has been announced as the title sponsor of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), marking a deeper and more expansive partnership between the two entities. This association builds on the relationship forged last season and positions Nothing front and center as RCB prepares to defend its 2025 championship title.
The announcement was made on February 3, 2026, through an official release by RCB and Nothing, highlighting the strategic importance of this collaboration for both the Bangalore-based franchise and the London-headquartered tech company. Under the terms of the agreement, Nothing’s branding will be prominently featured across RCB’s match jerseys, digital platforms, stadium signage, and other fan engagement touchpoints throughout the IPL 2026 season.
Building on Momentum
The renewed partnership comes on the back of RCB’s historic success in the 2025 season, when the franchise clinched its first Ever IPL title. That triumph not only ended years of near-misses for the team but also elevated its commercial appeal, making it an attractive proposition for brands looking to connect with millions of passionate cricket fans across India and the world.
For Nothing, this enhanced association with RCB represents a strategic extension of its marketing playbook in India, a market that has become central to the brand’s growth ambitions. The company has been actively expanding its footprint locally, both through product launches and retail initiatives, including plans to open its first flagship store in India in Bengaluru on February 14, 2026, a move that coincides nicely with the IPL season build-up.
“We are thrilled to welcome Nothing as our Title Sponsor,” said Rajesh Menon, Chief Operating Officer of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. “As one of the fastest-growing consumer tech brands, Nothing aligns naturally with RCB’s creative, next-gen ethos. Building on our championship season, this partnership commits to elevating fan experiences through bold storytelling and innovation.”
A Natural Fit
For Nothing, the synergy with RCB goes beyond logo placement. Akis Evangelidis, Co-founder and India President of Nothing, emphasized that RCB’s journey last season characterised by passion, energy, and fan fervour mirrored the brand’s own identity. “RCB’s campaign captured the emotion, hunger and energy that define cricket in India,” Evangelidis said. “As the fastest-growing smartphone brand in India, partnering with the champions as their Title Sponsor feels like the right next step for us. The team’s passion, connection with fans, and fearless approach to competition mirror the values we have built Nothing on.”
He added that India remains at the heart of Nothing’s story, and the collaboration with RCB provides a chance to deepen engagement with fans in one of the company’s most important global markets. The visibility generated through IPL, one of the world’s most widely watched sports leagues offers Nothing a platform to connect with a diverse and digitally connected audience, particularly among younger consumers who align with both the team’s and the brand’s ethos.
Strategic Branding and Fan Engagement
As part of the sponsorship deal, Nothing’s logo will be front and center on RCB’s match jerseys, replacing the space previously occupied by Qatar Airways, which had served as the team’s title sponsor for the preceding three seasons. The Qatar Airways partnership, reported to have been worth around ₹75 crore, played a key role in strengthening RCB’s commercial profile during that period.
Beyond the jersey, Nothing’s branding will extend across the team’s official digital channels and stadium presence, amplifying visibility among supporters both inside and outside the stadium. Fan experiences will be a focal point, with Nothing and RCB also planning on-ground activations and brand engagements designed to resonate with match-going crowds and online communities alike.
This approach reflects a broader trend in sports marketing, where brands increasingly leverage deep partnerships with teams to create immersive stories, experiences, and connections that go beyond traditional advertising. With cricket’s audience in India measured in the hundreds of millions, the potential impact of such collaborations continues to grow exponentially.
What This Means for IPL 2026
As IPL 2026 approaches, RCB enters the season not only as defending champions on the field but also with renewed commercial momentum off it. The Nothing partnership represents a win-win for both parties – a high-visibility platform for the tech brand and an association with one of the most dynamic franchises in the league.
For RCB fans, the blank red and black jerseys emblazoned with Nothing’s minimalist design signal a fresh chapter, one that combines cricket heritage with modern technology branding. And for Nothing, the association underscores a broader strategy to become a household name in India, leveraging sport and RCB in particular as a powerful cultural touchpoint.
With the IPL’s massive viewership and the buzz surrounding RCB’s title defence, the Nothing partnership is set to be one of the most talked-about commercial collaborations of the 2026 season.
 2026 season, consumer technology brand Nothing has been announced as the title sponsor of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)){kind=link}