Bengaluru, October 3, 2025: Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII), has indicated interest in acquiring a stake in the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). On Wednesday, Poonawalla took to X to comment on the potential investment, stating, “At the right valuation, RCB is a great team…”
RCB, owned by United Spirits, a Diageo-controlled company, lifted its first IPL title last season under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, defeating Punjab Kings in the final of the 18th edition. The franchise has a strong fan base, and its recent victory has significantly boosted its brand value.
Background of RCB and recent events
The franchise, however, has faced its share of challenges. On June 4, a tragic stampede outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium during the victory celebrations led to the death of 11 people and injuries to over 50 others. Following this incident, speculation about a potential sale of RCB intensified.
Poonawalla’s comments come amid these ongoing discussions. The IPL’s first commissioner, Lalit Modi, also recently weighed in, stating that there could be no better time to invest in RCB. According to Modi, global investment funds or sovereign funds would likely view RCB as a strategic addition to their India-focused portfolio.
Investment prospects and market outlook
Lalit Modi highlighted the appeal of the franchise, citing the team’s recent IPL title, strong fan engagement, and professional management as major draws for prospective investors. “Having won the IPL last season, with a strong fan base, the team itself, and a great management group, it could be the only franchise available as a whole,” Modi wrote on X.
He added that the eventual sale could set a record valuation in the IPL ecosystem, providing a new benchmark for franchise pricing. The last major ownership change in the league was Torrent Group acquiring a 67% stake in Gujarat Titans, highlighting the growing interest of corporates in IPL investments.
Speculations and next steps
While RCB has not officially confirmed any sale proceedings, Poonawalla’s remarks have reignited speculation about potential ownership changes. Industry experts suggest that the IPL’s rapid growth and global recognition make any franchise an attractive investment, especially one like RCB with a large fan following and strong brand equity.
With the IPL franchise market increasingly attracting international and domestic investors, the coming months could see significant developments regarding RCB ownership. Stakeholders are watching closely as valuation talks and possible negotiations gain momentum.
Conclusion
Adar Poonawalla’s hint at acquiring a stake in RCB marks a potential turning point for the franchise. With strong fan support, recent IPL success, and increasing interest from global investors, RCB’s future ownership structure could reflect the league’s evolving financial landscape.