All the speculations are looking true now. As it is officially reported that the precent owner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has initiated the process to sell the franchise to a new owner ahead of IPL 2026.
Diageo has initiated the process to sell its Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) cricket team. The decision was made ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The company aims to complete the transaction by March 31, 2026. This move is part of Diageo’s business strategy to diversify its portfolio and focus on its core alcohol business in India.
RCB is up for sale
This news signals a major change for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Diageo, which owns both the IPL and Women’s Premier League teams, informed the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) of the development on Wednesday, November 5. The company described it as a “strategic review of its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL).” RCSPL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Spirits Limited (USL), and USL is Diageo’s Indian business.
Diageo said in a statement, “USL is initiating a strategic review of its investment in its wholly-owned subsidiary, RCS PL. RCS PL’s business includes the ownership of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise, which competes in the men’s Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Premier League cricket tournaments organized annually by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).”
The sale of RCB could set a new standard for team valuations in the IPL. IPL teams are considered highly valuable assets these days. The cricket league has evolved into a major entertainment and advertising platform, competing with major leagues like the National Football League (NFL) and the English Premier League (EPL). United Spirits CEO Praveen Someshwar stated that RCSPL is viewed as a “valuable and strategic asset.” However, he clarified that it is not central to the company’s alcohol business. He stated that the decision is part of Diageo’s plan to refine its business strategy in India and focus on creating long-term value.
It has also been reported that Diageo has begun talks with potential buyers about selling RCB shares. According to a June report by Bloomberg News, the deal could be valued at up to $2 billion. In October, Serum Institute of India owner Adar Poonawalla also hinted at this possibility. United Spirits’ review of the RCB unit comes at a time when India’s health ministry is taking strict measures to limit the promotion of alcohol and tobacco brands in sports.
