Bengaluru: Fresh off their historic first-ever IPL title win, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise has become the center of major buzz once again — this time for being put up for sale.
According to reports, Diageo Great Britain, the UK-based parent company of RCB, is preparing to sell its stake in the team. The decision comes just months after the franchise finally ended its 18-year title drought, sparking both celebration and speculation about its future.
RCB, originally owned by liquor baron Vijay Mallya, entered the IPL in 2008. Diageo took control in 2012 after acquiring United Spirits Limited from Mallya, but has since faced mounting pressure from shareholders who view sports ownership as non-core business.
Following the team’s championship glory, Diageo is reportedly looking to cash in while RCB’s market value peaks — pegging it at a massive ₹17,600 crore (USD 2 billion).
However, the sale could get complicated. The company still faces legal cases linked to fan deaths during post-title celebrations, and any buyer would inherit these liabilities.
Despite that, interest in the team is sky-high. Big corporate names are already in the running, including Adar Poonawalla (Serum Institute of India), Parth Jindal (JSW Group), and the Adani Group. Two major U.S. companies and a prominent Delhi-based businessman have also expressed interest.
Poonawalla’s family had earlier attempted to buy an IPL franchise in 2010, while the JSW Group — co-owner of Delhi Capitals — would need to exit that stake if it acquires RCB. The Adani Group, meanwhile, has long sought IPL ownership and had narrowly missed out on the Ahmedabad franchise in 2022.
Industry experts say RCB’s recent championship win, massive fan following, and global brand value make it one of the most attractive — and expensive — sports assets in India today.
Reports suggest that Diageo’s new CEO, Praveen Someshwar, who took charge in March 2025, has accelerated the sale process, hiring two private banks to manage negotiations and find suitable buyers.
While questions remain over the ₹17,600 crore valuation and the future of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as RCB’s home ground, one thing is clear — the champions of 2025 may soon have new owners leading their next innings.
