RCB’s potential sale could reshape IPL’s financial landscape
The future ownership of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), one of the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) most recognizable franchises, is under the spotlight following fresh claims by former IPL Chairman Lalit Modi. A few months after RCB secured their first-ever IPL title, Modi posted on social media that the current owners, Diageo Plc, are preparing to sell the team — a move that could reshape the IPL’s financial landscape and push team valuations to new heights.
Diageo reportedly preparing to sell RCB
Lalit Modi, who served as the IPL’s founding commissioner, sparked intense speculation after posting on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) that the owners of RCB have finally decided to divest from the franchise.
“There have been a lot of rumours about the sale of an @iplt20 franchise, specifically @royalchallengers.bengaluru. In the past, offers were denied, but it seems the owners have finally decided to take it off their balance sheet and sell it,” Modi wrote.
Diageo Plc, the global liquor giant that owns RCB through its subsidiary United Spirits Ltd., has reportedly been exploring strategic exit options for several months. According to a Bloomberg report, the company’s decision is influenced by both regulatory and business considerations, including growing government pressure in India to curb indirect advertising by alcohol brands in sporting events — a move that could significantly reduce Diageo’s brand visibility through sports properties like the IPL.
RCB’s historic title and the timing of the sale
RCB’s ownership talks emerge just months after the team claimed their long-awaited first IPL title in 2025, led by Rajat Patidar. The victory followed years of near-misses and placed the franchise firmly in the spotlight as one of the most valuable assets in Indian sports.
RCB’s triumph — sealed with a win over Punjab Kings in the final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium — further bolstered the brand’s commercial potential. With a massive and loyal fan base, a star-powered roster historically headlined by Virat Kohli, and a robust management structure, RCB now holds substantial appeal for global investors.
“Having won the IPL last season, with a strong fan base, an excellent team and a great management structure, it could be the only franchise available as a whole. I am sure one of the big global funds or a sovereign fund would be eager to include them in their investment strategy. There can be no better investment opportunity than this. Good luck to whoever secures it. It will definitely set a new record valuation and reinforce that the IPL is not only the fastest-growing global sporting league, but also the most valuable. The new price set by #RCB will become the floor price for all teams,” Modi posted.
There have been a lot of rumour about the sale of an @IPL franchise specifically @RCBTweets – well in the past they have been denied. But it seems the owners have finally decided to take it off their balance sheet and sell it. I am sure having won the IPL last season and also… pic.twitter.com/ecXfU5n5v5
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) September 29, 2025
Lalit Modi forecasts record-setting valuation
In a separate media appearance last month on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast hosted by former Australian captain Michael Clarke, Lalit Modi suggested that if RCB were sold in the current market, the valuation could reach at least US$2 billion — and potentially as high as US$2.5 billion if the sale occurred next year.
RCB’s media reach, on-field success, and deep fan engagement place it among the most marketable franchises in the IPL. The league itself continues to be compared to global giants like the NFL and English Premier League in terms of financial momentum and valuation growth. A blockbuster RCB sale could serve as a benchmark for all future IPL franchise deals.
Citibank reportedly handling the process
Modi also hinted at who might be facilitating the sale process, expressing confidence in the financial institution believed to be involved.
“Good to luck to all. I am sure #citibank will do a great job auctioning the team to prospective buyers,” he wrote on Instagram and Twitter.
While Diageo has not officially confirmed the sale, industry insiders note that discussions with advisers and early-stage talks with potential buyers had already begun earlier in the year.
Adar Poonawalla reportedly the early frontrunner
According to CNN-News18, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla has emerged as the frontrunner to acquire Diageo’s stake, with other names yet to emerge.
What’s next for RCB and the IPL landscape
If the sale of Royal Challengers Bengaluru does go through, it would mark one of the most significant transactions in IPL history — not just for its size but also for what it signals about the league’s global investment appeal.
Observers suggest that the RCB sale could recalibrate the baseline for IPL team valuations, placing pressure on other franchises to increase commercial performance and sponsorship alignment. It would also represent a turning point for Diageo’s involvement in Indian cricket and further entrench sovereign wealth funds and international capital into IPL ownership structures.
With Modi’s public comments and speculation intensifying, all eyes are now on Diageo, Citibank, and the market to see who will emerge as the next potential owner of one of cricket’s most iconic franchises.
