Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans are riding an emotional rollercoaster. On one hand, the team finally lifted their first IPL trophy after 17 long years. But just as the celebrations began, tragedy struck. A deadly stampede in Bengaluru left 11 people dead—casting a dark cloud over what should’ve been a moment of pure joy. And now, to make matters worse, there are whispers of a possible RCB name change, which has left fans even more anxious.
Contents
Who Is Diageo, and Why Might They Sell？
So, what’s going on behind the scenes? Turns out, the team’s current RCB franchise owner, Diageo, might be rethinking their relationship with cricket. For those unfamiliar, Diageo owns RCB through its Indian subsidiary, United Spirits. Diageo is a global giant in the alcohol industry, known for brands like Johnnie Walker and Guinness. But in recent years, they’ve been feeling the heat especially in their biggest market, the US, where liquor sales have been declining.
To add to their woes, Indian regulators have been tightening the rules around alcohol-related branding in sports. The health ministry is pushing for stricter bans on indirect advertising—think soft drink “substitutes” sponsored by alcohol companies during cricket matches. That’s a big deal for Diageo, which has used RCB as a key branding platform in India.
🚨 RCB owner Diageo Plc is exploring options for a potential sale of IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru, valued at up to $2 billion. (ET) pic.twitter.com/KFxQMefiUT
— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) June 10, 2025
Now, according to reports, Diageo owns RCB but is considering selling part—or even all—of its stake. Advisors have already been contacted, and early-stage talks are underway. The franchise could be worth up to $2 billion, which is no small number. The potential sale isn’t just about profits; it could also be about damage control after the tragic stampede, which brought negative attention to the club and its management.
Related Article：RCB’s IPL Victory Parade Disaster：Did Poor Planning Kill the Fans?
RCB Isn’t Just a Team—It’s a Powerhouse Brand
Let’s not forget what RCB stands for. From Virat Kohli’s legendary innings to their die-hard fanbase, RCB has become a household name even without a title for all those years. And now, with the 2025 championship finally in their pocket, the brand is hotter than ever.
RCB has become the most valuable franchise as per ” The Cricket Gazette” 😭🔥. pic.twitter.com/UmqvtGcl3u
— Kaisar (@Kaisariscute) June 5, 2025
Even in seasons where they didn’t perform well, RCB merchandise flew off the shelves, and their matches drew huge online engagement. With a strong digital following and global appeal, the team is more than just a cricket club—it’s a lifestyle brand. That’s why talks of an RCB name change are hitting fans so hard. They’re not just worried about ownership changes; they’re scared they might lose the identity they’ve supported for nearly two decades.
Will RCB Name Change？
Well, here’s our take: don’t panic just yet. While the rumors about the RCB franchise owner looking to sell are serious, nothing’s been finalized. And more importantly, it’s hard to imagine Diageo owns RCB and would let go so easily. With the brand now at peak popularity—and IPL viewership at an all-time high—it wouldn’t make much sense to walk away now.
Even if the ownership changes, it doesn’t necessarily mean a complete overhaul. New owners usually understand the value of legacy, especially with a name as iconic as RCB. A total RCB name change would likely face massive fan backlash, which any sensible investor would want to avoid.
Final Thoughts
Yes, it’s been a tough few weeks for RCB fans, grief, uncertainty, and now swirling ownership rumors. But let’s take a breath. Whether Diageo owns RCB for another season or not, the heart of this franchise is its fans, its history, and the undying chant of “Ee Sala Cup Namde.” We believe that even if the RCB franchise owner changes, the soul of the team won’t. And as for the RCB name change—well, let’s hope they know better than to mess with a legacy like this.
