IPL 2025 champions RCB up for sale, deal expected by March 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), fresh off their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) championship in 2025, has officially been put up for sale by its parent company Diageo.

The British beverage giant has initiated the divestment process and expects to finalize the deal by March 31, 2026.

RCB, one of the founding IPL franchises since 2008, finally broke its long-standing title drought earlier this year.

The team also claimed the Women’s Premier League (WPL) trophy in 2024, marking a golden phase for the franchise.

Its roster features prominent names such as Virat Kohli, Smriti Mandhana, and Josh Hazlewood, among others.

According to reports, Diageo is seeking a valuation of approximately USD 2 billion for the franchise.

The sports business contributed around 8.3% of United Spirits Limited’s (USL) total profit in the financial year ending March 31, 2025.

Among potential buyers, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla has reportedly shown interest in acquiring the team.

Despite the ongoing sale process, RCB is expected to participate in upcoming cricket operations, including the WPL player auction scheduled for November 27.

Diageo emphasized that day-to-day activities of Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd (RCSPL) — the wholly owned subsidiary managing RCB — will continue uninterrupted.

In an official filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Diageo described the move as a “strategic review” of its investment in RCSPL.

The disclosure stated that the process is aimed at “reviewing the company’s India enterprise portfolio to enable sustained delivery of long-term value to stakeholders.”

Praveen Someshwar, Managing Director and CEO of United Spirits Ltd, noted that while RCSPL has been a “valuable and strategic asset,” it remains a non-core part of the company’s alcohol beverage business.

“This step reinforces our commitment to value creation while ensuring RCSPL’s best interests are protected,” Someshwar said.

If completed as planned, the sale would mark one of the largest franchise transactions in IPL history — a significant turning point for both RCB and its current owners. 

Source: NDTV