Royal Challengers Bengaluru Up for Sale
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise is officially on the market, with its owners, Diageo, aiming to find new buyers by March 31, 2026. The sale process has already begun, and the owners have made this information public.
In a notification shared with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the UK-based company described this move as a strategic review of its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd (RCSPL), which is fully owned by United Spirits Ltd, a subsidiary of Diageo. The letter states that RCSPL owns the RCB team, which competes in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) under the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
In their letter to the BSE, Diageo and United Spirits highlighted the significance of this disclosure under the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s regulations. They expressed their goal to complete the sale by the end of March next year.
Praveen Someswar, the managing director and CEO of United Spirits, noted that while RCSPL has been an important asset for the company, it does not align with their main business focus. He stated, “RCSPL has been a valuable and strategic asset for USL. However, it is non-core to our alcobev business. This step shows our commitment to reviewing our India enterprise portfolio to create long-term value for all stakeholders, while considering RCSPL’s best interests.”
Interest in RCB
Reports indicate there are several potential buyers interested in acquiring RCB now that it is for sale. Among those showing interest are a private investment firm based in the US and the JSW Group. Notably, the Adani Group, Adar Poonawalla from the Serum Institute of India, and Delhi’s Ravi Jaipuria from Devyani International Group have also expressed their desire to purchase the franchise.
As the sale progresses, many will be watching closely to see who steps up to take ownership of this iconic cricket team.
