Royal Challengers Bengaluru Franchise Officially Up for Sale

RCB Franchise on the Market

After extensive speculation, it has been confirmed that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a highly popular franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is officially available for purchase. Diageo, the global beverage corporation that owns both RCB's IPL and WPL teams, has initiated the sale process.

Diageo's Strategic Review Announcement

In a recent announcement to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Diageo revealed that it is conducting a 'Strategic Review' of its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd (RCSPL), the entity responsible for operating RCB. This review is anticipated to conclude by March 31, 2026.

Corporate Communication Insights

The statement was issued by United Spirits Ltd (USL), Diageo's Indian subsidiary and the parent company of RCSPL. The disclosure noted, 'USL is initiating a strategic review of the investment in its wholly owned subsidiary, RCSPL, which manages the RCB franchise participating in the men's IPL and Women's Premier League (WPL) cricket tournaments organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) annually.'

Diageo's Shift in Focus

The announcement was made under Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR). While the document contained technical jargon, the underlying message was clear: Diageo is preparing to exit the cricket business, which it once viewed as a glamorous brand extension.

Valuable Asset, Non-Core Business

Praveen Someswar, Managing Director and CEO of USL, confirmed the decision, stating, 'RCSPL has been a valuable and strategic asset for USL. However, it is non-core to our alcoholic beverage business.' This indicates that while RCB has provided brand value, it does not significantly impact the company's financial performance.

Implications of the Timeline

The completion date of March 31, 2026, is particularly noteworthy. Such a specific deadline suggests that negotiations may already be in advanced stages. Reports indicate that Diageo could be finalizing discussions with potential buyers before the end of the financial year.

Potential Buyers for RCB

Several high-profile entities have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the franchise, including:

• A US-based private investment firm


• The Adani Group


• The JSW Group, owned by the Jindal family


• Adar Poonawalla of Serum Institute of India


• Ravi Jaipuria of Devyani International Group

While these names remain unconfirmed, they possess the financial capability and ambition to lead RCB into its next chapter.

Tragedy Surrounding the Sale

The discussions regarding RCB's sale are not new; they gained momentum following the tragic stampede on June 4 outside Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, which resulted in the deaths of 11 fans and injuries to many others. This incident raised significant concerns about event management and intensified scrutiny from shareholders regarding Diageo's involvement in what they perceived as a non-core venture.

Future Prospects

For RCB supporters, this news may evoke mixed feelings. While the change in ownership signifies the end of an era, it also paves the way for new investments, strategic direction, and potentially, much-anticipated success on the field. For Diageo, this sale represents a pragmatic decision to refocus on its primary business objectives, while for Indian cricket, it marks another significant transition as one of its most iconic franchises prepares for a new chapter.