RCB for Sale? Diageo Reportedly Looking to Sell IPL Franchise After Historic Title Win
In a surprising turn of events, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), fresh off their maiden IPL 2025 title win, may soon see a change in ownership. According to sources, Diageo Plc, the current owner of RCB through its Indian arm United Spirits Ltd., is exploring the possibility of selling the franchise—either partially or fully.
This news comes just days after the team’s historic win, which ended an 18-year-long title drought and brought joy to millions of fans. The victory has significantly boosted the franchise's brand value, making it a hot property in the IPL market.
Why Is Diageo Considering a Sale?
Despite the celebrations, Diageo appears to be looking at ways to monetize the franchise, especially at a time when its value is at an all-time high. According to reports from Bloomberg, the liquor giant is already in talks with potential investors and advisors to explore a deal. Sources suggest that the franchise could be valued at around USD 2 billion (INR 16,834 crore) if sold entirely.
While no official statement has been made, this possible shift in ownership has already had an impact on the stock market. United Spirits' share price rose by 3.3% on Tuesday following the news, reflecting investor interest and confidence.
From Vijay Mallya to Diageo: The RCB Ownership Timeline
RCB has had a dramatic history. The franchise was originally purchased in 2008 by Vijay Mallya, a prominent businessman and owner of Kingfisher Airlines at the time. However, due to financial troubles and legal battles, Mallya's empire collapsed, and Diageo took control of RCB through United Spirits Ltd.
Under Diageo, RCB remained one of the most loved teams in the IPL, thanks in large part to star players like Virat Kohli and the loyalty of their massive fanbase. Despite their past lack of trophies, RCB has consistently stayed in the spotlight, especially on social media, where it boasts one of the largest followings among cricket franchises worldwide.
A Mixed Bag of Emotions for RCB Fans
The potential sale news comes during a highly emotional period for fans. After celebrating the long-awaited title, tragedy struck when 11 fans lost their lives during victory celebrations at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium. What should have been a historic moment was marred by the unfortunate incident, dampening the post-title euphoria.
What’s Next for RCB?
At the moment, no final decision has been made. Diageo is still evaluating whether to sell a minority stake, majority stake, or the full franchise. As talks progress, one thing remains clear—RCB’s brand has never been stronger, and any change in ownership could reshape the future of the franchise both on and off the field.
For now, RCB fans can only hope that any transition—if it happens—preserves the spirit and energy of the team they’ve supported through highs and lows.
Conclusion
RCB’s journey has always been full of drama, and this latest development only adds to the story. With a long-awaited IPL trophy finally in the bag and a potential ownership change on the horizon, RCB is at a pivotal moment in its history. Whether the franchise changes hands or not, one thing is certain: the passion of the fans will continue to define the legacy of Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Reference from:-https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/rcb-owners-looking-to-sell-franchise-after-ipl-2025-high-sources-8631649