Will RCB Release Virat Kohli and Other Players Before IPL 2026 Auction Amid Franchise Sale?

In a major development, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) — fresh off their historic maiden IPL title win in 2025 — has officially been put up for sale by its parent company, Diageo Plc. The UK-based beverage giant, which owns RCB through its Indian arm United Spirits Limited (USL), announced on November 5 that it has begun the sale process as part of a strategic review of its sports investments.

According to the disclosure made to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the sale of Royal Challengers Sports Pvt. Ltd. is expected to conclude by March 31, 2026, marking one of the biggest franchise ownership transitions in IPL history.

💰 RCB’s Massive Valuation and Potential Buyers

RCB’s valuation has reportedly crossed $2 billion, driven by its strong global brand, massive fan following, and recent championship triumph. Over the years, the franchise’s journey — from Vijay Mallya’s ownership to Diageo’s stewardship — has been defined by superstar players like Virat Kohli, who remains the face and heartbeat of the team.

Industry buzz suggests potential bidders could include major Indian conglomerates such as the Adani Group, JSW Group, and Serum Institute’s Adar Poonawalla.

🔥 IPL 2026 Auction: Will RCB Release Players?

With the IPL 2026 mini auction around the corner, all teams must submit their retained and released player lists by November 15. However, RCB’s pending sale has created uncertainty around their retention strategy.

Despite the ownership transition, insiders suggest RCB is likely to retain the core team that delivered their maiden title this year. Unless there’s a drastic shake-up in management, Virat Kohli is expected to continue wearing the Bengaluru jersey.

A source close to the team hinted that while “minor reshuffling” could occur, RCB’s core stars — including Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Mohammed Siraj — are likely safe.

⚙️ Who Decides Retentions Amid Ownership Change?

Although the new ownership may eventually steer RCB’s long-term direction, the current management under Diageo retains full authority for the immediate retention process due to the tight auction timeline.

Should a sale agreement be finalized before the auction, the new owners could retain the existing setup to ensure continuity after RCB’s milestone 2025 season.

🏆 Looking Ahead

With a title in hand and an ownership change looming, RCB enters a new era. Fans remain hopeful that the upcoming transition won’t disrupt team chemistry or leadership stability. As things stand, Virat Kohli’s future with RCB appears secure, but the final confirmation will come once the retention list is made public by mid-November.

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