After years of heartbreak and near misses, Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally rewrote history in 2025 with their maiden IPL title, quickly followed by a second Women’s Premier League crown. That on-field success has now triggered an off-field storm, with RCB emerging as one of the most sought-after sporting assets in the world.
Current owners Diageo, through United Spirits, have initiated a formal sale process, turning what began as a routine portfolio review into a high-stakes global auction. According to reports, at least nine parties have submitted non-binding bids valuing the Bengaluru franchise between $1 billion and $1.8 billion.
Glazer family enters the fray
The most aggressive bid is believed to have come from the Manchester United owners, the Glazer family, through Avram Glazer’s Lancer Capital. Their offer, reportedly close to $1.8 billion (around ₹16,300 crore), places them at the top of the bidding range. The family already has cricketing exposure through the ILT20 champions Desert Vipers and had earlier attempted, unsuccessfully, to enter the IPL in 2021.
Why Diageo may exit RCB
Diageo’s move is driven largely by business priorities. In filings to regulators, United Spirits has described RCB as a non-core asset outside its alco-bev focus. The decision also follows reputational concerns after the tragic stampede during RCB’s title celebrations at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium last year.
Big Indian names also interested
Apart from the Glazers, Indian heavyweights including Adar Poonawalla, Dr Ranjan Pai, Premji Invest and global private equity players are understood to be evaluating bids. RCB’s unmatched fan base, strong commercial revenues and enduring association with Virat Kohli make it one of the crown jewels of the IPL.
With valuations nearing the $2 billion mark, the eventual sale could redefine franchise economics in Indian sport.