Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), one of the most popular franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is officially up for sale. United Spirits Limited (USL), which is a subsidiary of Diageo, a British multinational alcoholic beverage company, has reportedly put the RCB franchise on sale.
USL’s decision to sell the franchise comes after years of speculation and the tragic stampede in Bengaluru during the team’s IPL 2025 victory celebration, which claimed 11 lives on June 4.
Adar Poonawalla emerges as a frontrunner to buy RCB
It is being said that USL is looking to sell the Royal Challengers Bengaluru team for a staggering $2 billion, which is about ₹17,762 crore, making it among the world’s most valuable sports teams.
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As reported by CNBC TV18, Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of the Serum Institute of India, is the frontrunner to acquire USL’s entire stake in the RCB. The United Spirits Limited (USL) has appointed global investment bank Citi to manage the transaction.
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Why is Diageo not interested in Royal Challengers Bengaluru?
Earlier this month, Praveen Someshwar, MD & CEO of Diageo India, was quoted as saying by CNBC-TV18, “RCB is an exciting business, but it is non-core for Diageo.”
Well, Royal Challengers Bengaluru has had a high-profile journey, starting with Vijay Mallya as its first owner and later being acquired by Diageo.
However, Diageo’s decision not to buy RCB may have been influenced by the Indian government rules. Since the alcohol advertising is banned in sports, it makes the investment less attractive for Diageo.
RCB’s market value soars after IPL 2025 triumph
Meanwhile, RCB’s rise in market value has been remarkable. Despite being one of the oldest IPL teams without a trophy for years, the franchise has built a massive fanbase, thanks to Virat Kohli, who has been with the franchise since the inception of the IPL in 2008.
Winning IPL 2025 has only amplified its appeal, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the buyers.
The sale could set a new benchmark for IPL franchises. Notably, the Torrent Group recently acquired a 67% stake in Gujarat Titans for ₹7,500 crore, which is just 42.2% of RCB’s projected valuation despite the 2022 IPL winners being a much younger team in the cash-rich league.
Lalit Modi confirms RCB sale rumors, predicts Global Funds eyeing the IPL team
With Lalit Modi fueling speculation about the sale, whoever lands RCB won’t just acquire an RCB team, but they’ll secure one of the world’s most iconic cricket brands.
Lalit Modi posted, X: “There have been a lot of rumors about the sale of an IPL franchise. Well, in the past, they have been denied. But it seems the owners have finally decided to take it off their balance sheet and sell it. I am sure having won the IPL last season and with its strong base of fans and great management, it could be the only team available as a whole.”
He added, “One of the big global funds or sovereign funds would desperately like to have them as part of their India strategy. This will definitely set a new record valuation and become the floor price for all IPL teams. I am sure Citi will do a great job auctioning the team.”
