Royal Challengers Bengaluru is officially on the line now to buy after their championship win. Diageo, the current owner, want to sell RCB before IPL 2026 begins. The sale deadline is set for March 31, 2026 by the company.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their first IPL title in 2025 after 18 years. The team also won the Women’s Premier League back in 2024. Now their ownership is changing hands soon.
Why Royal Challengers Bengaluru Is Being Put Up for Auction
Diageo told the Bombay Stock Exchange about the RCB put on sale recently. The company says RCB isn’t part of their main alcohol business. Managing Director Praveen Someshwar called it a non-core asset for them.
The letting go of the team decision came after pressure from shareholders this year. A tragic incident near Chinnaswamy Stadium in June raised questions about ownership. Diageo now wants to focus only on its beverage operations going forward.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru contributed 8.3% to Diageo’s profits last financial year. The brand value has grown massively since 2008 when IPL started. The RCB sale price is expected to be around USD 2 billion currently.
Who Will Buy RCB and Potential New Owners
Several big names are interested in buying the defending champions for IPL 2026. Adar Poonawalla from Serum Institute has shown interest in the deal. The Adani Group is also looking at this opportunity seriously.
JSW Group led by the Jindals wants Royal Challengers Bengaluru too reportedly. A private US investment company has entered the race as well. Ravi Jaipuria of Devyani International Group is another potential buyer.
The question of who will buy RCB will be answered soon. Diageo hired a merchant bank to handle negotiations with interested parties. Multiple bidders mean the RCB sale price could go even higher.
The new owners will get a team with Virat Kohli leading them to the market. Stars like Smriti Mandhana and Josh Hazlewood are also part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The franchise will stay active in upcoming auctions before the transfer completes. Brand value and fan following make RCB attractive for any buyer.
