Defending IPL champion RCB are officially up for sale, likely to find a new owner before IPL 2026 Season

It’s official and defending Indian Premier League (IPL) Champion Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has been put up for sale. According to the disclosure made by the IPL franchise, Diageo, the owner of the IPL and WPL teams, has started the sale process and is confident of completing the sale by March 31, 2026.

The sale of RCB got a new impetus when its owner, United Spirits Limited (USL), decided to initiate a “strategic review of its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited”.

“RCSPL’s business includes ownership of the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise teams, which participate in the men’s IPL and women’s WPL tournaments,” the company said.

United Spirits Limited, which markets brands such as Royal Challenge whisky and Smirnoff vodka, said that although RCB has been a “valuable and strategic asset” but the cricket business is not a core part of its primary alcoholic operations.

“RCSPL has been a valuable and strategic asset, but it is non-core to our alcohol business,” USL Chief Executive Officer Pravin Someshwar said. He said the company will continue to review its India portfolio. Franchise owners eye $2 billion for IPL 2025 champions, report suggests.

                                               

Relevant news