After months of speculation, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) — one of the most popular franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) — has officially been put up for sale. The announcement was confirmed through a filing by United Spirits Ltd (USL), the Indian arm of British beverage giant Diageo. The sale process is expected to conclude by March 31, 2026, marking the end of an era for one of the league’s most-followed teams.
(Preferred Source: Asianet Newsable)
RCB’s journey from maiden title win to sale announcement
In June 2025, RCB ended their 18-year wait to clinch their first-ever IPL title after defeating three-time finalists Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The victory marked a historic milestone for the Bengaluru-based franchise and its loyal fanbase.
However, celebrations were soon overshadowed by tragedy when a stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru claimed 11 lives and left several others injured.
Months after this bittersweet period, USL filed a disclosure with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) confirming a strategic review of its investment in the team through its subsidiary Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd (RCSPL). The company described the franchise as a “non-core asset,” setting the stage for its sale.
Valuation and potential buyers
According to reports from Bloomberg News, the owners are seeking a $2 billion valuation (approximately ₹17,500 crore) for the franchise. USL is reportedly open to either a partial or complete sale of its stake in the team.
Given RCB’s immense success both on and off the field — from brand value and merchandise sales to an unmatched social media following — the franchise is expected to attract high-profile investors.
As per early reports, several major entities have shown interest, including the Adani Group, Adar Poonawalla (Serum Institute of India), JSW Group, Ravi Jaipuria (Devyani International Group), and a US-based private investment firm.
If the transaction goes through, RCB could become one of the most valuable sports franchises globally, joining the ranks of elite international teams across leagues.
A franchise with success in both men’s and women’s cricket
RCB’s influence extends beyond the men’s IPL. The franchise also owns a Women’s Premier League (WPL) team that achieved historic success by winning the WPL title — making RCB only the second franchise after Mumbai Indians to clinch both the IPL and WPL trophies.
This cross-league achievement has added significantly to the franchise’s market appeal and overall valuation, enhancing its reputation as one of India’s most successful cricketing brands.
Speculation over rebranding and ownership transition
As RCB prepares for new ownership, speculation is rife that the franchise might undergo rebranding — including a possible new name, logo, and team identity from the IPL 2026 season onwards.
The existing team name “Royal Challengers Bengaluru” is linked to Royal Challenge, a whisky brand owned by USL. Since the potential new owners are unlikely to have ties to the liquor brand, industry experts believe a brand overhaul could be considered to align with future marketing strategies.
However, trademark data suggests that ‘RCB’ is a registered trademark under Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd. The new owners would inherit these rights, allowing them to retain the iconic team identity if they choose to.
Why a rebrand may not be likely
Despite rumours, analysts believe that a complete rebranding is unlikely. Given RCB’s powerful fanbase, high merchandise sales, and established global presence, changing the team’s identity could risk alienating millions of fans.
Industry examples such as Rajasthan Royals, who retained their name and branding despite ownership changes, indicate that continuity often helps preserve commercial value.
Therefore, it is expected that while minor changes might be introduced — such as refreshed branding or marketing campaigns — the core name and logo of RCB will likely remain intact under the new ownership.
A new era for Royal Challengers Bengaluru
For nearly two decades, RCB — formerly known as Royal Challengers Bangalore — has been among the most valuable and passionately supported franchises in IPL history. As of 2024, the team reportedly had a brand value of $117 million (around ₹1,000 crore), placing it among the league’s top-tier franchises.
As the sale process unfolds over the coming months, the cricketing world will closely watch who takes the helm of one of the IPL’s most iconic teams — and whether the new leadership can build on RCB’s long-awaited success while honouring its rich legacy.