Just a week after clinching their maiden IPL title, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) might be heading for a major ownership shake-up. According to media report, current owners Diageo Plc are exploring options to sell the franchise either partially or entirely. The move comes at a time when the team’s brand value is soaring, following their historic 2025 Indian Premier League victory that ended an 18-year title drought.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is currently operated in India by United Spirits Ltd, a subsidiary of global beverage giant Diageo Plc, which is reportedly already in discussions with potential investors. While an official valuation hasn’t been disclosed yet, Bloomberg reports suggest that the franchise could be priced as high as USD 2 billion (approximately ₹16,834 crore) if a complete sale is pursued.
Diageo Plc, the parent company of United Spirits Ltd., is reportedly considering the sale of a partial or complete stake in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), according to sources close to the matter. The British distiller is said to be looking at ways to capitalize on the IPL franchise’s recent championship victory, with discussions underway involving potential advisors to oversee any potential transaction
As the news of RCB’s potential sale broke, the sentiments also gave a boost to United Spirits’ shares a boost. The stock prices went up as much as 3.3% on Tuesday morning. However, the decision wether to sell the franchise, or not, isn’t final yet.
Right after the high of the IPL title triumph, RCB also hit a low when the franchise’s title celebrations at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru turned fatal for 11 fans. The loss of lives in the celebrations saw the euphoria sink dramatically.
How Diageo Bought RCB
When the franchise started in 2008, it was originally bought by Vijay Mallya, who used to own Kingfisher Airlines and was one of the most renowned figures in India’s liquor industry. Mallya found himself embroiled in a debt trap that brought his empire crashing down, giving Diageo an opportunity to buy RCB through its subsidiary in India, United Spirits.
RCB remains one of the most followed sporting teams on social media across the globe. In cricket, the franchise has the biggest fanbase despite the lack of success it has had in the T20 league.
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