Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) The franchise, fresh from its long-awaited homecoming Indian Premier League (IPL) The trophy is currently the subject of a potential sale, making it a major talking point in Indian cricket. Team owner Diageo India has initiated a formal strategic review of its investment, confirming that the process could result in a sale or change of ownership.
Hombale Films linked to sale of RCB after first IPL title
Speculation has been rife in the media following the announcement, produced by Karnataka-based production powerhouse Hombale Films kgf And KantaraEmerging as a leading potential co-acquirer. The valuation of the franchise has reportedly increased to approximately ₹17,000 crore (USD 2 billion), making it one of the most valuable teams globally. The official review is expected to provide clarity on the future structure of the team by March 31, 2026.
According to Hindustan Times, the formal process for a possible change in ownership of RCB was confirmed by United Spirits Limited (USL), the Diageo-owned subsidiary that controls the team. The process, called a strategic review, is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026, ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The immense popularity of the RCB franchise, especially after the title win, has increased its valuation to around Rs 17,000 crore, making it an extremely high-value asset.
This high price point means any deal would likely be structured around investment consortium, private equity and a phased exit. The sale has attracted interest from several high-profile bidders who have been linked to the potential acquisition, including Zerodha’s co-founder. Nikhil Kamath, Adani Group, JSW Group, Serum Institute Executive Adar Poonawala And Devyani InternationalFinal control of RCB’s men’s and women’s teams depends on the outcome of the USL review,
IPL 2026: Local identity and proven track record of blockbuster success across India
The report further said that Hombale Films has emerged as the most talked about potential buyer due to its local identity and proven track record of blockbuster success across India with films like Kantara and KGF. The studio already has a genuine commercial line-up for the franchise, as it has been the official digital content partner of RCB since April 2023, producing promotional and fan engagement videos.
This partnership has fueled massive fan-led discussion and speculation regarding a Hometown Pride acquisition. The potential collaboration holds symbolic importance, as both brands represent Karnataka’s modern identity, one through cinema, the other through cricket, which could deepen regional loyalties. However, despite numerous media reports of preliminary negotiations, plausibility is not the same as paperwork. There has been no official statement from Homeable confirming the talks, stake size or timeline, and no new regulatory filings from USL. The story is still a fill-in-the-blank rumor, and Homble’s leap into buying RCB is still just that, a leap.
