The Indian Premier League (IPL) is buzzing with news as the prestigious Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise appears to be on the market. Several high-profile bidders, including the renowned Adani Group, have reportedly shown significant interest in acquiring the team.
Currently owned by Diageo Great Britain, RCB's owners are considering a staggering valuation of USD 2 billion for the franchise. This has attracted conversations from Indian entities like JSW Group and Adar Poonawalla, as well as American private equity firms. Adani Group, which narrowly lost out on the Ahmedabad franchise in 2022, is recognized for its ambition in the sports sector.
In light of this potential sale, insiders speculate that a decisive movement from the Indian investment community could sway Diageo’s final decision. The Poonawalla family, long-time fans of IPL, have shown continuous interest, with Adar Poonawalla publicly expressing his intentions on social media that RCB could be a compelling investment at the right price.
| Bidder | Valuation (USD) | Status |
| RCB | 2 billion | For Sale |
| Adani Group | - | Interested |
| JSW Group | - | Interested |
| Adar Poonawalla | - | Negotiating |
This pending negotiation comes on the heels of the IPL Valuation Study 2025, which rated RCB as the most valuable brand among all franchises. With the allure of IPL’s growing popularity, this potential bidding war could dramatically reshape the future of the famous cricket team.