Fresh off their historic first IPL title win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) might be heading for new ownership. The cricketing world is buzzing with the news of RCB for sale, and it’s not just another rumour. Reports suggest that Diageo, the current owners via United Spirits, are seriously considering letting go of one of the IPL’s most iconic franchises. It’s a twist no one quite expected after such a triumphant season.
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Why Would Diageo Sell RCB Now?
Let’s be honest, selling a team right after it wins the league feels odd. But there’s more to it than meets the eye. Firstly, Diageo isn’t exactly a stranger to controversy when it comes to owning a cricket franchise in India. The company, being a major global alcohol brand, has long faced restrictions due to the Indian government’s ban on alcohol advertising in sports. As Praveen Someshwar, the MD & CEO of Diageo India, plainly put it:
“RCB is an exciting business, but it is non-core for Diageo.”
But perhaps the real tipping point came off the field. During RCB’s celebratory parade in Bengaluru following their long-awaited IPL victory in 2025, a tragic stampede occurred outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Eleven fans lost their lives, and the team’s celebrations turned into a national tragedy. The incident led to significant backlash over poor crowd control and event mismanagement, a PR nightmare that could’ve nudged Diageo toward finally pulling the plug. So yes, RCB to be sold is not just about business strategy. It’s also about distancing from unfortunate events and regulatory headaches.
Who’s in the Running to Buy RCB?
The buzz around the potential buyers is growing louder by the day, and one name keeps popping up: Adar Poonawalla. The CEO of Serum Institute of India is reportedly the frontrunner to snap up the RCB franchise for sale.
There have been a lot of rumour about the sale of an @IPL franchise specifically @RCBTweets – 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 also… pic.twitter.com/ecXfU5n5v5
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) September 29, 2025
Nothing’s official yet, but according to CNBC-TV18, United Spirits has hired Citi, the global investment bank, to handle the deal, which could fetch a whopping $2 billion. That’s about ₹17,762 crore in desi currency. And if the sale goes through at that price, it’ll make RCB one of the most valuable cricket teams ever sold. Adding more fuel to the fire, former IPL chairman Lalit Modi chimed in on social media, writing:
“It seems the owners have finally decided to take it off their balance sheet and sell it… One of the big global funds or sovereign funds would desperately like to have them as part of their India strategy.”
Whoever gets their hands on this franchise won’t just be buying a team, they’ll be acquiring a brand with a cult following and a global fanbase.
How the Trophy Boosted RCB’s Value?
For 18 long seasons, RCB fans lived in hope. And in 2025, that hope finally paid off. Under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar, RCB lifted their maiden IPL trophy, ending years of “Ee Sala Cup Namde” memes. But it’s not just hearts that were won; market value soared too.
Related Article：How RCB Crushed It in the IPL Team Valuation After 2025 Rankings?
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Thanks to this long-awaited triumph, the RCB franchise for sale is now commanding one of the highest valuations in IPL history. To give some perspective, the Gujarat Titans, winners of IPL 2022, were recently valued at ₹7,500 crore when Torrent Group bought a 67% stake. RCB’s rumoured $2 billion tag? That’s nearly triple.
So, while the idea of RCB for sale might sting for long-time supporters, it also marks a major milestone. The team is no longer just “the one with Virat Kohli and no titles.” Now, it’s a champion club with elite market appeal, a once-in-a-generation asset for any prospective owner.
What’s Next for the Challengers?
While Diageo has yet to publicly confirm the sale, and has previously dismissed similar reports as “speculative”, the silence this time around is telling. As one report noted, this time, United Spirits simply “declined to comment”, a marked shift from previous denials.
🚨 RCB owner Diageo has started the process of selling its stake in the IPL franchise for around $2 billion.
(CNBC reports) pic.twitter.com/sLx6tmE4vB
— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) September 30, 2025
With RCB to be sold possibly in the coming months, and the IPL 2026 season on the horizon, all eyes are on who takes over the reins. Will it be a homegrown business tycoon like Poonawalla, or will a global fund swoop in and add RCB to their India investment portfolio?
Every champion was once a kid who dreamt big! 🥹😍 #AIPolaroid #ThenAndNow #PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB pic.twitter.com/D8Lmi6lAAK
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) September 24, 2025
One thing’s for sure, whether or not the ownership changes hands, the franchise has never been more valuable or more watched. And fans? Well, they’ll just be hoping that whoever comes next doesn’t mess with the magic of their beloved team.
Final Over
Seeing RCB for sale right after their big win feels almost poetic like reaching the summit only to find new challenges waiting. But that’s cricket, isn’t it? Full of surprises, triumphs, and a fair bit of heartbreak. For now, we wait. The team that once couldn’t catch a break is now the hottest property in the IPL. And whether or not the RCB franchise for sale changes hands soon, one thing’s clear, RCB has finally arrived. On the pitch, and in the boardroom.
