Mumbai: Fresh off clinching their maiden IPL title in 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are poised for a dramatic ownership shake-up ahead of IPL 2026, with British liquor giant Diageo reportedly shopping the franchise for a staggering $2 billion (₹16,600 crore).
Buzz from Cricbuzz and other outlets reveals six heavyweight suitors circling, turning the Garden City’s cricket darling into a high-stakes bidding war.
Parth Jindal’s JSW Group, which co-owns 50% of Delhi Capitals (DC), is leading the race. A successful grab for RCB would force JSW to divest its DC stake under BCCI’s cross-ownership rules, potentially leaving GMR Group to helm the capital’s side solo or sparking a fresh hunt for investors. Jindal’s Bengaluru roots and JSW’s sports empire – spanning ISL’s Bengaluru FC – make the merger a synergistic dream, though the exit costs could sting.
Gautam Adani’s Adani Group, not to be outdone, is eyeing an IPL entry after narrowly missing out on Gujarat Titans in 2022 and already owning WPL’s Gujarat Giants. Adani Sportsline’s global cricket footprint positions them to match Diageo’s lofty valuation effortlessly. Adar Poonawalla of Serum Institute kicked off the frenzy with a cheeky X post: “At the right valuation, @RCBTweets is a great team.” He’s reportedly teaming with a US firm, while other contenders include a Delhi industrialist and two American private equity players.
Diageo’s shareholders, irked by the non-core asset, have enlisted Citi for the sale, but Poonawalla baulks at the price tag. RCB’s massive fanbase – dwarfing rivals on social media – and defending champ status amplify its allure.
As bids heat up, will Bengaluru’s red-and-gold faithful embrace a new era or stick with Diageo’s spirits? The auction block awaits.