Introduction
It has been confirmed officially that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru ownership, one of the most popular IPL teams, is up for sale. The present owner, Diageo, through its Indian subsidiary United Spirits Ltd. (USL), has initiated a tactical evaluation to sell its stake in the women’s WPL teams and men’s Indian Premier League (IPL).
Key details of the Sale
- Reason for the sale: Diageo, India’s largest liquor company and a subsidiary of the UK, has determined that the cricket franchise business is regarded as a non-core asset to its primary alcohol beverage business, and hence the sale is considered to be a significant segment of an approach to emphasise the key functions and serve long-lasting value to the shareholders.
- Timeline: The tactical assessment, along with the possible sale procedure, is anticipated to be accomplished by 31st March, 2026. This indicates a novel owner must be in place prior to the beginning of the IPL 2026 session.
- Status: On 5th November, 2025, Diageo confirmed the news in an official revelation to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
- Potential customers: Numerous high-profile parties have apparently shown tremendous interest in obtaining the valuable franchise, which involved the Adar Poonawalla of the Serum Institute of India, Ravi Jaipuria of Devyani International Group, a US-based private investment firm and Adani Group.
- IPL franchise valuation: The franchise, which currently won its maiden WPL and IPL title, possesses a high brand value (anticipated to be up to $2 billion).
- BCCI engagement: The IPL governing council and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have been well-versed regarding the development.
Diageo initiates the assessment of RCB ownership
USL is starting a planned review of the investment into RCSPL, its wholly owned subsidiary. The RCSPL business possesses the ownership of the RCB franchise teams, which take part in WPL and IPL cricket tournaments, which are hosted by the BCCI every year.
Under Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Disclosure Requirements and Listing Obligations), the disclosure was made.
Impact of the Franchise
- The RCB ownership change is not anticipated to create an impact on the team’s involvement in the instant future seasons (IPL 2026 and WPL 2026) since the official transfer will end by 31st March, 2026.
- Moreover, any novel ownership deal will also need clearance from the foremost council of the IPL.
- The status of star players such as Virat Kohli is anticipated to stay safe, even though his novel commercial deals are apparently on hold, awaiting the change in ownership.
- Furthermore, the well-known franchise that won its maiden WPL title during 2024 and IPL title during 2025 is said to be a hot property on the market because of its robust brand value and huge fan base.
Speculations about the RCB sale
After the 4th June Stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, which led towards several injuries and 11 deaths, the speculation about the sale also gained thrust. Moreover, the incident brought the franchise under public inspection and transformed debate regarding its upcoming new RCB owner.
If Diageo moves further with the sale, then it would be indicated as a significant shift in the ownership setting of the IPL. RCB, known for its principal commercial value and massive fan base, could grab the attention of substantial investors willing to step into one of the most profitable leagues of cricket.
Summary
Even though the transfer procedure of ownership and the mega IPL shift is underway, the team will execute nonstop during the forthcoming seasons under the present structure till a formal change is accomplished.
