RCB Sale Update: Hombale Films Leads Race to Buy ₹17,000 Crore Franchise
Hombale Films, one of the top film production houses, is reportedly interested in buying the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team in the IPL. In recent months, many big investors have shown interest in the franchise. Earlier, there were reports that the current owner, Diageo india, might sell RCB before the 19th season of the IPL in 2026.
Hombale Films, known for making blockbuster movies like K.G.F., Kantara, and Salaar, is said to be looking for a fresh beginning by entering the world of cricket. Although no official confirmation has come from either party, it is being understood through the same source that Hombale has held preliminary discussions with Diageo, as per Oneindia.
Hombale Films Shows Interest in Buying RCB Ahead of IPL 2026
For the unversed, Hombale Films has worked along with RCB before. They have been RCB's official digital partner since April 2023. They have also made many creative promos cinematic match teasers and engagement campaigns. RCB, who finally ended their long wait for an IPL trophy in the 18th season, have seen their value shoot up to nearly USD 2 billion (about ₹17,000 crore).
According to reports, it's not just Vijay Kiragandur’s Hombale Films that wants to buy the team. Other big names like Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, the Adani Group, JSW Group, Serum Institute’s Adar Poonawalla, and Devyani International are also interested in purchasing RCB.
If this deal actually happens, the team is likely to become even more popular among fans in Karnataka. The state already loves cricket, and if a big Kannada film company joins hands with the franchise, it will increase the popularity of both. This could help them a lot before IPL 2026. Being led by Rajat Patidar as their new full-time captain, RCB won the IPL 2025 title. The Men in Red defeated Punjab Kings in the final of the tournament.
RCB retained Patidar, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh and Suyash Sharma ahead of the mega auction for IPL 2026.
