It’s Official: RCB Up for Sale, New Owner Expected Within Six Months — Here’s Who Could Buy Virat Kohli’s IPL Giant
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) officially up for sale as Diageo’s United Spirits begins a strategic review to divest ownership. New owner likely by March 2026.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru players celebrate during IPL 2025. Diageo confirms RCB franchise is up for sale, with new ownership expected by March 2026.
In a major shake-up in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) — one of the tournament’s most iconic and popular franchises — is officially up for sale. Liquor giant Diageo, through its subsidiary United Spirits Ltd (USL), has confirmed that it has begun a strategic review to sell or restructure its ownership in the franchise. The process is expected to conclude by March 31, 2026.
Diageo Confirms Strategic Review of RCB Ownership
In a regulatory filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on November 5, Diageo stated that it had initiated a “Strategic Review of the Investment in Royal Challengers Sports Pvt. Ltd. (RCSPL),” which owns and manages both the men’s IPL team and the women’s WPL team.
The company emphasized that the review aligns with its plan to focus on its core alcoholic beverages business, calling RCB a non-core asset in its portfolio.
Praveen Someshwar, Managing Director and CEO of USL, said,
“RCSPL has been a valuable and strategic asset for USL. However, it’s non-core to our alcobev business. This step reinforces our commitment to deliver long-term value to stakeholders while keeping RCSPL’s best interests in mind.”
USL May Fully or Partially Divest from RCB
According to reports, USL and Diageo could either fully or partially divest from the RCB franchise. The decision is part of USL’s larger strategy to streamline operations and prioritize its primary business — alcoholic beverages — where it continues to dominate the Indian market.
RCB’s Soaring Valuation
RCB remains one of the most valuable franchises in IPL history. A report by global investment bank Houlihan Lokey ranked RCB as the most valuable IPL team in 2025, with an estimated worth of $269 million, boosted by the team’s first-ever IPL championship win earlier this year. The brand’s popularity extends to its Women’s Premier League (WPL) team as well, cementing RCB’s presence in Indian cricket.
Who Could Buy RCB?
Several potential buyers have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the team. The list of interested parties includes:
- Adani Group
- JSW Group (Jindal family)
- Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India
- Ravi Jaipuria, Chairman of Devyani International
A US-based private investment firm
The sale process is being overseen by a merchant bank hired by USL, and the deal could see one of the biggest ownership transitions in IPL history.
Background and Recent Controversy
Speculation about RCB’s sale intensified following the June 4 stampede outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which resulted in 11 deaths and several injuries. The tragic incident led to public scrutiny and reignited debates about the franchise’s management and ownership.
If Diageo finalizes the sale, it would mark a significant moment in the IPL’s ownership landscape, with one of cricket’s most commercially successful franchises changing hands.
