In one of the most dramatic developments in IPL history, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has been officially put up for sale, and the franchise will get a new owner in the next edition. UK-based company Diageo, which owns the RCB men’s and women’s teams, has decided to sell its entire stake in the franchise.
The company confirmed that the sale process has begun and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026.
The sale process is being overseen by a leading merchant bank, and several high-profile names have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the Bengaluru-based franchise. Diageo is now in advanced discussions with potential buyers.
Diageo is now in advanced discussions with potential buyers
This was made public through a formal filing at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), where Diageo described the move as a “strategic review” of its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd (RCSPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of United Spirits Ltd (USL) – the Indian arm of Diageo.
Also read: After punishment to Haris Rauf, Suryakumar Yadav banned for 30 matches
Now, the company has started a structured process to sell the RCB franchise and exit cricket ownership.
This is part of Diageo’s broader plan to focus on its alcoholic beverages industry. The company described RCB as a valuable and respected asset, but one that no longer aligns with its long-term goals.
RCB is non-core to our Alcobev business: USL MD & CEO
As reported by Cricbuzz, Diageo said in its disclosure, “USL is initiating a strategic review of its investment in its wholly owned subsidiary RCSPL. RCSPL’s business includes the ownership of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise teams that participate in the Men’s Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Premier League (WPL) cricket tournaments annually organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The process is expected to be completed by March 31. It will happen in 2026.”
Meanwhile, USL Managing Director and CEO Praveen Someshwar said, “RCSPL has been a valuable and strategic asset for USL. However, it is non-core to our Alcobev business. This move reinforces USL and Diageo’s commitment to continue reviewing its India venture portfolio to enable continued delivery of long-term value to all stakeholders while keeping the best interests of RCSPL in mind.”
Also read: India’s playing XI vs Australia – 4th T20 match, India tour of Australia 2025
Adani, JSW and Poonawala among top contenders to buy Royal Challengers Bangalore
According to multiple media reports, some of the interested parties include US-based private investment company Adani Group, JSW Group’s Jindals, Serum Institute of India’s Adar Poonawala and Delhi-based businessman Ravi Jaipuria of Devyani International.
With such legendary names in the mix, the deal is expected to be one of the biggest in the history of the IPL. There are also reports that the name of the franchise may be changed with the new owners taking charge.
This happens because the current brand includes the name of the previous owner. If such a move happens, it would entail a complete rebranding for the franchise, considering how popular the brand has become.
Talks over the sale of RCB have been going on for months, especially after the tragic stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, where 11 fans lost their lives and several were injured during the IPL 2025 victory celebrations.
RCB, one of the most popular IPL teams globally, has been an important part of the league since its inception. Despite never winning an IPL title until earlier this year, the franchise has built a huge fan base and boasts the highest brand value in the tournament.
