In a dramatic turn of events, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fresh off their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title win in 2025 may soon be under new ownership. Global liquor giant Diageo Plc, the current owner through its Indian arm United Spirits Ltd, is reportedly exploring a partial or full sale of the iconic IPL franchise.
Sources close to the development told NDTV that the sale discussions have begun, though the decision isn’t final yet. The timing aligns with a spike in RCB’s brand valuation following their long-awaited IPL triumph, ending an 18-year title drought.
Valuation Soars After IPL Win
According to Bloomberg, Diageo could seek a valuation as high as USD 2 billion (approximately INR 16,834 crores) for a complete sale. While official figures haven’t been confirmed, the interest is reportedly high given RCB’s global brand visibility and massive fanbase — one of the largest among all cricket franchises.
Following the reports, United Spirits shares jumped by 3.3% in Tuesday morning trade, indicating strong investor sentiment in response to the news.
RCB’s Journey: From Vijay Mallya to Diageo
RCB was originally founded in 2008 by liquor baron Vijay Mallya, under UB Group. However, following financial turmoil and legal battles surrounding Mallya’s business empire, Diageo acquired a controlling stake in United Spirits and, subsequently, ownership of the RCB franchise.
Despite a rocky past and multiple near-misses in IPL finals, RCB finally clinched the title in IPL 2025, capping off a dream season led by star performers and a passionate fanbase.
Celebration Turns Tragic
Amid the jubilation of RCB’s historic title win, tragedy struck during the victory celebrations at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. A stampede claimed the lives of 11 fans, casting a shadow over the festivities. The incident has sparked debate around crowd control and safety at large public events.
What’s Next for RCB?
Diageo’s decision is still in flux, with talks reportedly ongoing with investment advisors and potential buyers. Whether it opts for a minority stake dilution or a complete exit, the next chapter for RCB could see new ownership and strategic direction.
As one of the most followed cricket teams globally, RCB’s brand continues to soar. Their recent IPL win could make this the biggest franchise transaction in cricket history, setting a benchmark for sports franchise valuations in India.
