BKT Tyres becomes official tyre partner for 8 IPL teams in 2026

Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has announced that its consumer brand, BKT Tyres, will serve as the Official Tyre Partner for eight out of ten teams in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The addition of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) increases BKT's team partnerships from seven to eight. The eight teams are Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants.

Key Highlights

• BKT Tyres will be the official tire partner for eight IPL teams in 2026
• Partnerships aim to boost BKT's consumer tyre market presence in India
• Sponsorships include stadium visibility and digital fan engagement initiatives
• BKT manufactures over 3600 products and supplies 163 countries

BKT's Expansion into Consumer Tyres

The announcement comes as BKT expands its presence in India's consumer tyre market. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Mumbai, BKT has built a global reputation for manufacturing tyres for agricultural, construction, and mining equipment. The company has recently entered the Indian consumer segment, which includes tyres for two-wheelers, passenger cars, and commercial vehicles. The IPL partnerships aim to increase visibility for this new business line, promoted under the tagline "Elevate Your Drive."

Rajiv Poddar, Joint Managing Director at BKT, stated that the association will help extend a brand campaign featuring actor Ranveer Singh across broadcast and digital channels. He emphasized that cricket unites people across India and that these partnerships allow BKT to connect with audiences while strengthening its position in the tyre segment.

Details of the IPL Partnerships

The sponsorship agreements include stadium visibility, broadcast integrations, dealer activations, grassroots programs, and digital fan-engagement initiatives. Sports consulting agency RISE Worldwide manages BKT's partnerships in India. Team executives have welcomed the deals. Alok Chitre, COO of Rajasthan Royals, noted this is the sixth year of the franchise's association with BKT. Venky Mysore, CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders, described the partnership as a collaboration between two performance-driven organizations. Rajesh Menon, CEO of RCB, said BKT Tyres' philosophy aligns with the franchise's values.

BKT's IPL sponsorships are part of a broader international sports portfolio. The company also sponsors Monster Jam, LaLiga, the Italian Serie BKT football championship, EuroLeague Basketball, the Rugby World Cup, and the United Rugby Championship. These associations are intended to reinforce BKT's brand positioning in diverse global markets.

BKT's Manufacturing and Global Reach

BKT currently manufactures more than 3,600 products and supplies customers in 163 countries. Its vertically integrated manufacturing model includes in-house production of carbon black and dedicated research and development centers. The company continues to expand its product offerings and market presence through strategic partnerships and global sponsorships.

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Conclusion

BKT Tyres’ collaboration with eight IPL teams for the 2026 season marks another milestone in its consistent presence in major sports leagues. This move amplifies BKT’s visibility among cricket fans across the globe while emphasizing its passion for performance, endurance, and innovation.