Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Set to Be Sold for ₹17,000 Crore After Winning IPL 2025
Just days after winning their maiden IPL title in 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) may soon change ownership. According to a Bloomberg report, United Spirits Limited (USL), which manufactures McDowell’s whisky, is considering selling RCB for around $2 billion (approx. ₹17,000 crore).
From Vijay Mallya to Diageo: The Ownership Journey
RCB was originally owned by liquor baron Vijay Mallya through his company USL. However, after Mallya ran into financial trouble, British liquor giant Diageo acquired USL and became the new owner of RCB.
Why is RCB Being Sold?
1. Diageo Wants to Focus Solely on Alcohol Business
RCB operates outside Diageo’s core liquor business. Selling the franchise allows the company to streamline operations and concentrate fully on its beverage portfolio.
2. High Valuation Opportunity Post-IPL Win
After clinching their first IPL trophy in 2025, RCB’s commercial value has soared, making this an ideal time to cash in.
3. Regulatory Pressure
India’s Ministry of Health has called for a complete ban on direct and indirect advertising of alcohol and tobacco in major sports events like the IPL. This regulatory environment is reportedly prompting Diageo to exit.
Could Be the Costliest Deal in IPL History
If the sale happens, it will mark the biggest franchise deal in IPL history. Previously, Lucknow Super Giants were bought by RPSG Group for ₹7,090 crore and Gujarat Titans by CVC Capital for ₹5,625 crore—both during the 2022 IPL expansion.
With a projected valuation of ₹17,000 crore ($2 billion), RCB’s sale would significantly outpace both previous records.
RCB’s Valuation Over the Years
- 2008: Vijay Mallya purchased RCB for $11.6 million (approx. ₹476 crore), making it the second-most expensive IPL team at the time.
- 2014-2016: Diageo acquired majority control of USL and, by 2016, took over full ownership of RCB.
- Present Day: RCB is managed under USL’s subsidiary, Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL).
Three Key Questions About the Potential Sale
1. Is Diageo Selling Its Entire Stake in RCB?
Answer: It’s still undecided. Diageo is in discussions with advisors and may sell part or all of its stake. Retaining RCB could subject the company to stricter ad regulations and rising costs in managing the team.
2. Who Could Be Potential Buyers?
Answer: No official names have surfaced yet, but at a $2 billion valuation, the deal could attract big industrialists, private investors, or global sports conglomerates. Notably, JSW Group had attempted to buy RCB in 2015, though the deal didn’t materialize.
3. Will This Impact RCB Fans?
Answer: Not at all. The team’s on-field performance and its massive fan following—especially those loyal to Virat Kohli—will remain unchanged. The change is limited to ownership, and the brand identity is expected to remain strong regardless of the buyer.
RCB’s potential sale marks a significant moment in IPL’s commercial landscape. As fans celebrate their first championship win, the franchise might also be entering a new era off the field.
