The Competitive Auction for RCB
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are at the center of one of the most competitive franchise sale processes in Indian sport history. Following their long-awaited victory in the IPL 2025, the team is now up for auction, with major global conglomerates eager to acquire it. This competitive landscape has stirred considerable interest from potential investors.
Bids Flooding In
Reports indicate that nine parties have submitted non-binding bids for RCB, ranging from $1 billion to $1.8 billion. Non-binding implies that both buyers and sellers have no legal obligations to finalize any transactions. One standout bid comes from the Glazer family, owners of Manchester United. Their offer is approximately $1.8 billion, which is the highest bid in the current round.
Previous Attempts and Current Valuation
Historically, the Glazers attempted to break into the IPL during the 2021 franchise auction but withdrew with the lowest bid of ?4,128.65 crore. Fast forward to 2025, and they appear to have aligned their valuation strategies, now making a significant bid for RCB. This current bid, when converted, is approximately INR 16,321 crore. Nevertheless, this offer still trails behind Diageo's estimated valuation of $2.1 billion following RCB's title win.
Financial Breakdown of Bids
| Bidder | Amount (in billions) |
|---|
| Glazer Family | $1.8 |
| Other Bidders | $1.0 - $1.7 |
Diageo's Decision to Sell
Diageo, the current owner through United Spirits, confirmed the franchise is actively up for sale. Concerns regarding potential damage to brand reputation, especially after safety incidents during celebrations, played a crucial role in their decision. Diageo needs to prioritize their core business, which is alcohol beverages, and RCB is deemed a non-core asset.
The Future of IPL with New Owners?
With global interest in the IPL skyrocketing, other notable parties in the bidding include Adar Poonawalla, financed by TPG, and Dr. Ranjan Pai, examining a consortium with KKR. The emergence of private equity firms further illustrates how investors are eager to join the world's second-largest sporting league, spotlighting the league's growing financial clout.
Conclusion
As the auction for RCB unfolds, financial analysts and sports enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see who ultimately secures the franchise. The response from the bidding process reflects the increasing significance and commercial potential of the IPL.