Just a week after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title, the franchise could be heading for a major ownership shakeup.
According to sources current owners Diageo Plc are exploring options to sell either a partial or full stake in the team.
The move comes in the wake of RCB's historic 2025 championship win, which ended an 18-year wait and significantly boosted the brand's value.
RCB is managed in India by United Spirits Ltd, a Diageo subsidiary, and talks are reportedly underway with potential investors.
While no official valuation has been disclosed, Bloomberg reports that Diageo may seek up to USD 2 billion (approximately INR 16,834 crore) for a complete sale.
People familiar with the matter say Diageo is already consulting potential advisors to handle the deal, as the global liquor giant considers monetizing the franchise following its recent success.
News of a possible sale gave a short-term boost to United Spirits’ stock, which surged as much as 3.3% on Tuesday morning. However, sources emphasize that no final decision has been made.
RCB’s celebration high was quickly followed by tragedy. The victory event at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium turned deadly, with 11 fans losing their lives in a stampede — dampening the franchise's historic moment.
Originally acquired in 2008 by liquor baron Vijay Mallya, RCB came under Diageo’s control after Mallya’s financial troubles led to the collapse of his business empire. Diageo took over the team through United Spirits.
Despite years of underperformance, RCB remains one of the most followed cricket franchises globally, with a massive social media presence and passionate fanbase — now further amplified by their breakthrough title win.
