Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), some of the well-liked franchises within the Indian Premier League (IPL), is formally up on the market. United Spirits Restricted (USL), which is a subsidiary of Diageo, a British multinational alcoholic beverage firm, has reportedly put the RCB franchise on sale.
USL’s determination to promote the franchise comes after years of hypothesis and the tragic stampede in Bengaluru through the workforce’s IPL 2025 victory celebration, which claimed 11 lives on June 4.
Adar Poonawalla emerges as a frontrunner to purchase RCB
It’s being stated that USL is trying to promote the Royal Challengers Bengaluru workforce for a staggering $2 billion, which is about ₹17,762 crore, making it among the many world’s most respected sports activities teams.
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As reported by CNBC TV18, Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of the Serum Institute of India, is the frontrunner to amass USL’s whole stake within the RCB. The United Spirits Restricted (USL) has appointed international funding financial institution Citi to handle the transaction.
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Why is Diageo not curious about Royal Challengers Bengaluru?
Earlier this month, Praveen Someshwar, MD & CEO of Diageo India, was quoted as saying by CNBC-TV18, “RCB is an thrilling enterprise, however it’s non-core for Diageo.”
Properly, Royal Challengers Bengaluru has had a high-profile journey, beginning with Vijay Mallya as its first proprietor and later being acquired by Diageo.
Nonetheless, Diageo’s determination to not purchase RCB could have been influenced by the Indian authorities guidelines. Because the alcohol promoting is banned in sports activities, it makes the funding much less enticing for Diageo.
RCB’s market worth soars after IPL 2025 triumph
In the meantime, RCB’s rise in market worth has been exceptional. Regardless of being one of many oldest IPL groups with no trophy for years, the franchise has constructed an enormous fanbase, due to Virat Kohli, who has been with the franchise because the inception of the IPL in 2008.
Successful IPL 2025 has solely amplified its attraction, making it a once-in-a-lifetime alternative for the consumers.
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The sale might set a brand new benchmark for IPL franchises. Notably, the Torrent Group just lately acquired a 67% stake in Gujarat Titans for ₹7,500 crore, which is simply 42.2% of RCB’s projected valuation regardless of the 2022 IPL winners being a a lot youthful workforce within the cash-rich league.
Lalit Modi confirms RCB sale rumors, predicts International Funds eyeing the IPL workforce
With Lalit Modi fueling hypothesis in regards to the sale, whoever lands RCB received’t simply purchase an RCB workforce, however they’ll safe one of many world’s most iconic cricket manufacturers.
Lalit Modi posted, X: “There have been numerous rumors in regards to the sale of an IPL franchise. Properly, previously, they’ve been denied. But it surely appears the house owners have lastly determined to take it off their steadiness sheet and promote it. I’m certain having received the IPL final season and with its sturdy base of followers and nice administration, it could possibly be the one workforce accessible as an entire.”
He added, “One of many massive international funds or sovereign funds would desperately wish to have them as a part of their India technique. It will undoubtedly set a brand new document valuation and develop into the ground value for all IPL groups. I’m certain Citi will do an awesome job auctioning the workforce.”
