RCB New Owner? Diageo Reportedly Looking to Sell $2 Billion RCB Franchise

Just a week after lifting their first-ever IPL trophy in 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) might be heading for a big change off the field. As per a report by Bloomberg, current owners Diageo Plc are reportedly thinking about selling the franchise either fully or partially. The move comes after RCB’s brand value saw a big boost following their historic title win.

Vijay Mallya, one of the most recognizable names in India’s liquor industry and the former owner of Kingfisher Airlines, originally bought the RCB franchise when the IPL began in 2008. However, after Mallya’s financial troubles led to the collapse of his business empire, Diageo acquired RCB through its Indian arm, United Spirits.

Today, United Spirits Ltd., backed by Diageo, runs the franchise and is reportedly in talks with potential investors. While there’s no official word on RCB’s current valuation, Bloomberg reports that the owners might ask for as much as USD 2 billion (around ₹16,834 crore) if they decide to sell the team outright.

Mixed Emotions for RCB Fans: Joy of Victory, Grief of Loss, and Sale Rumors

According to people familiar with the matter, Diageo Plc the British distiller and parent company of United Spirits Ltd is considering selling all or part of its stake in Royal Challengers Bengaluru. After RCB’s recent IPL title win, Diageo is exploring ways to cash in on the franchise’s rising value. The company is also said to be in talks with potential advisors to help manage the deal.

After news of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s possible sale broke, shares of United Spirits saw a positive bump, rising by 3.3% on Tuesday morning. While the talks are ongoing, no final decision has been made yet.

RCB’s first-ever IPL win sparked massive celebrations but sadly, the joy didn’t last long. During the victory event at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, 11 fans lost their lives in a tragic incident. What started as a moment of pride quickly turned into heartbreak. Still, RCB remains one of the most loved and followed teams in the cricket world. Despite their ups and downs on the field, the team enjoys unmatched fan support and is one of the biggest names on social media globally.

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