RCB Officially Up for Sale; Ownership Transfer Expected by March 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has been up for sale by their parent company, Diageo, just six months after ending a 17-year wait for their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title. In a filing to the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on 5 November, the UK-based spirits giant confirmed the move and announced a "Strategic Review of Investment" in Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd (RCSPL), the company that controls the women's WPL and men's IPL franchises. Diageo estimates that the process will be finished by March 31, 2026.

Why Diageo is Walking Out from RCB?

Despite the team's long-awaited championship victory, Diageo decided to sell RCB as part of a broader strategic realignment inside the business. According to industry analysts, the beverage giant plans to sell off its non-core sports holdings and concentrate on its core alcohol business. The action also comes after the stampede that happened earlier this year at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB's title celebrations.

Numerous fans were hurt in the incident, which apparently raised worries about Diageo's reputation and possible legal repercussions. After Diageo acquired Vijay Mallya's United Breweries Group in 2015, RCB joined its portfolio. In 2016, it became the franchise's sole owner. Since then, the business has been frequently questioned about why it still plays cricket in the face of restrictions on alcohol advertising.

RCB One the Richest Franchises of IPL

Even with its inconsistent on-field record, RCB has continuously been one of the most valuable teams in the IPL. According to a recent assessment by international investment firm Houlihan Lokey, RCB is among the top three teams in the league with a brand value of $269 million. Virat Kohli, a long-time star who has been essential to RCB's brand identification since the beginning of the IPL, and the team's enormous fan base are the main causes of this enduring attraction.

Due to its success in both the men's and women's divisions, the franchise has improved its market position and is now a desirable investment opportunity. For RCB's cricket operations, the selling announcement comes at a critical moment. The men's auction will take place later this year after all IPL teams have until November 15 to complete their player retentions.

The women's team, which just won a title, is also trying to keep its key players as they get ready for the WPL auction. It is anticipated that RCB's management would carry on with daily operations uninterrupted by the upcoming ownership change. According to insiders, Diageo wants to make sure the transfer goes smoothly and steer clear of any distractions that can affect team output or fan satisfaction.