SPORTS DESK: RCB Up for Sale: US Billionaire Enters the Race
Just months after hoisting their first IPL trophy, Royal Challengers Bengaluru find themselves at a crossroads.
Diageo, the spirits powerhouse behind the franchise since 2016, has kicked off a strategic review of its ownership.
This move, detailed in a fresh filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange, signals a potential handover of both the men’s and women’s teams by March 31, 2026.
The timing feels bittersweet. RCB’s 2025 triumph over Punjab Kings in a nail-biting final at Narendra Modi Stadium ended 17 years of heartbreak, only for a tragic stampede during victory celebrations to claim 11 lives outside Chinnaswamy Stadium.
That shadow, coupled with Diageo’s focus on core liquor operations, has nudged the sale forward.
Diageo’s Exit Strategy
Diageo, through its Indian arm United Spirits, views RCB as a nonessential asset in its portfolio.
The disclosure emphasizes a smooth transition, ensuring no disruptions to team preparations for the next IPL or WPL seasons.
Advisors are already lining up buyers, with the process designed to maximize value for stakeholders.
This isn’t a fire sale born of panic. Earlier rumors in June sparked a share bump for United Spirits, hinting at underlying strength.
Yet, the formal review underscores a calculated pivot, freeing capital for Diageo’s global booze battles while honoring the franchise’s legacy.
Sanjay Govil: The Cricket Visionary in the Mix
Enter Sanjay Govil, the Indian-American tech mogul whose name is buzzing in deal rooms.
As founder of Infinite Computer Solutions and Zyter, Govil brings deep pockets and a proven playbook from cricket’s emerging frontiers.
His Washington Freedom clinched the 2024 Major League Cricket title under Ricky Ponting’s guidance, blending Aussie flair with American ambition.
Govil’s latest coup? A 50-50 stake in Welsh Fire of England’s Hundred was snapped up for around £40 million earlier this year alongside Glamorgan Cricket Club.
That Cardiff-based outfit, now valued at over £80 million, marks his transatlantic leap.
Sources say Govil’s consortium is ramping up overtures for RCB, eyeing synergies like cross-league talent swaps.
Glamorgan’s Cautious Nod
Glamorgan chair Mark Rhydderch-Roberts, fresh off clearing club debts and earning promotions in county cricket, kept it coy in a Telegraph chat.
“We’re in the game of building cricket franchises worldwide, chasing deals that boost shareholder returns,” he noted, without naming RCB. It’s the kind of measured tease that fuels speculation.
Under Roberts’ watch, Glamorgan has transformed from near-ruin to a savvy investor.
Pairing with Govil’s tech savvy, they envision RCB as a crown jewel, potentially weaving in stars like Steve Smith for global appeal.
It’s less about quick flips and more about crafting a network of interconnected teams.
The Billion-Dollar Prize
Whispers peg RCB’s price tag at $2 billion, or roughly Rs.16,800 crore, dwarfing recent IPL entries like Gujarat Titans at $1 billion.
That figure nods to the team’s explosive growth: brand value hit $269 million post-title, per Houlihan Lokey’s 2025 study, topping Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
What justifies the premium? A fan army rivaling football giants, powered by Virat Kohli’s unwavering loyalty and Glenn Maxwell’s fireworks.
Add 18 million Instagram followers and record viewership, and you’ve got an asset that’s as much a cultural icon as a cricket powerhouse.
- Fan Metrics: Over 340 million concurrent viewers for the IPL 2025 opener; RCB’s final drew 678 million eyes.
- Revenue Streams: $600 million in league ads alone, with RCB’s sponsorships surging 67% year-on-year.
- Global Pull: Interest from Indian firms and overseas players like Govil highlights IPL’s borderless allure.
A New Era for Red and Gold?
As bids swirl, RCB’s faithful brace for change. Will Govil’s bold stroke turn Chinnaswamy into a global hub, or will a domestic heavyweight step in?
Either way, this sale cements IPL’s evolution from league to empire, where trophies unlock fortunes and legacies get rewritten.
For a franchise long defined by near misses, trading hands might just be the spark for sustained glory.