buzz around Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Refuses to fade away, even after his first marriage Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2025. Months after lifting the long-awaited trophy, RCB’s parent company, diageo great britainhas reportedly begun formal sale discussions for the franchise.
The liquor giant, which owns RCB through its Indian subsidiary United SpiritsInvestment banks including CityTo facilitate the deal. The franchise is valued at approximately US$2 billion, and Cricbuzz initial report It is suggested that six interested parties have entered the race. While RCB’s local management is resistant to the idea, Diageo’s UK headquarters intends to delist the team as part of a broader strategic shift away from non-core properties.
IPL 2026: Indian giants have their eyes on RCB’s crown!
1. Adar Poonawala (Serum Institute of India)
According to Cricbuzz, CEO of Serum Institute Adar Poonawala RCB has emerged as one of the leading names in the race to acquire him. Poonawala recently said this on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) “RCB is a great team…at the right valuation,” He indicated that he may be in talks with a US-based private equity fund for a joint bid. The Poonawalla family has previously traced the ownership of an IPL team to Adar’s father, Cyrus Poonawalashowed interest in 2010 when two new teams were introduced Lalit ModiWith Adar’s vast business empire and global network, his entry can bring financial stability, innovation and an ambitious long-term vision to the RCB brand.
2. Parth Jindal (JSW Group)
JSW Groupled by Parth JindalAccording to a Cricbuzz report, there is another high-profile contender. However, regulatory challenges could complicate the bid, as JSW is currently a co-owner Delhi Capitals With GMR Group (each holding 50% stake). BCCI’s cross-ownership rules prohibit participation in multiple IPL franchises, meaning JSW would need to pull out of DC entirely to pursue RCB. If Jindal can overcome that hurdle, JSW’s extensive sports portfolio, including Delhi Capitals (IPL) and Bengaluru FC (ISL), puts the group in a naturally suitable position to take over one of India’s most prestigious cricket franchises.
3. Adani Group
Under the leadership of Adani Group Gautam AdaniThe IPL has long been associated with franchise ownership. As per Cricbuzz report, Adani missed out on securing the Ahmedabad franchise in 2022, which was eventually awarded to him. Gujarat TitansAdani Sportsline already manages this gujarat giants In Women’s Premier League (WPL) and operates teams in the UAE’s ILT20, demonstrating a strong foothold in global cricket operations. With unmatched financial resources and a strong sports management structure, Adani Group is considered one of the most credible bidders, fully capable of matching RCB’s valuation of US$2 billion.
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IPL 2026: Global bidders and domestic giants have joined the race
4. Delhi based billionaire (name unknown)
Cricbuzz has also highlighted the interest of the Delhi-based billionaire with multi-sector business interests spanning infrastructure, media and finance. Although his identity is unknown, sources say the industrialist has been eyeing IPL ownership for years. The involvement of a politically influential and financially strong Delhi-based player could make the bidding scenario more competitive, bringing a mix of domestic wealth and strategic strength to the negotiating table.
5 and 6. Two US-based private equity firms
According to Cricbuzz, two US-based private equity companies are also exploring a possible acquisition or partnership for the RCB deal. These companies are reportedly analyzing the IPL’s rapidly growing financial ecosystem, particularly the growth of its media rights and expanding digital reach. The merged JioStar platform, with over 500 million subscribers, has strengthened the global viewer base of the IPL, making it an attractive investment opportunity for foreign funds. Analysts estimate that even a nominal ₹100 per month subscription model for IPL content could generate around ₹20,000 crore annually in digital revenue, excluding advertising revenue. This widespread commercial boom explains the keen interest of US investors in franchises like RCB, one of the most followed and marketable teams in global cricket.
Also read: Will RCB join SA20 in future? League Commissioner Graeme Smith breaks his silence
