Race for majority share Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has officially turned into a global bidding war, making it the most coveted asset IPL 2026 season.
Following their history IPL 2025 after winning the title, RCB’s market appeal soared to unprecedented heights and attracted huge interest from international sports tycoons and domestic titans of industry. As the March 31, 2026 sale deadline looms, the franchise is no longer just a cricket team, but a billion-dollar crown jewel that resets the league’s finances.
IPL 2026: $1.8 billion valuation and global bidding war for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
With the current reports, RCB’s financial holdings have reached unprecedented levels Reuters and Bloomberg valuing the franchise at about $1.8 billion. This mammoth figure is a direct result of the team’s recent championship success and unparalleled commercial appeal, backed by its enduring brand strength. Virat Kohli.
DiageoThe franchise, which controls the team through its Indian arm United Spirits, has officially moved the franchise into an ‘asset sale’ phase, seeking to divest what it now labels as ‘non-core’ assets. The move sparked a fierce bidding war as the IPL’s total business valuation rose to $18.5 billion, making it one of the most lucrative sports leagues in the world.
IPL 2026: US billionaire steps in $1.8 billion RCB ownership race
as NDTV Sports report, a US billionaire who adds a new and formidable dimension to the race David Blitzer officially entered the fight. Blitzer, co-founder Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment and an executor Blackstone GroupIt is doing serious due diligence on RCB as it looks to diversify its already massive sports portfolio. The NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils of the NHL. His entry through his family office, BOLT Ventures, marks a major shift towards American institutional capital in the IPL. He faces a direct challenge from his fellow American Avram Glazerthe Co-chairman of “Manchester United”. who is said to have submitted the lead bid through Lancer Capital.
Also READ: IPL 2026: KGF and Kantara makers Hombale Films planning to buy RCB? Here’s what we know so far
Oldies already in the race: Indian tycoons vs Manchester United and global tycoons
While the American tycoons dominate the international headlines, RCB’s pursuit remains a matter of pride for India’s top industrialist. Adar PoonavallaThe CEO of Serum Institute of India has been a vocal leader, publicly announcing his intention to keep the franchise under Indian leadership. Other local heavyweights like him are joining Ranjan Pai Manipal Group and its interests JSW and Adani Groups.
However, the strongest international threat comes from Manchester United’s co-owner Avram Glazerhe is reportedly willing to pay a premium to expand his sporting empire to the Indian subcontinent. As the mid-March deadline for final bids fast approaches, the battle has become emblematic of the IPL’s global influence, pitting Western “sports empire” builders against India’s “home-grown” industrial titans.
 has officially transformed into a global bidding war. US billionaire has reportedly joined $1.8 billion bidding race ahead of IPL 2026.){kind=link}