
The noise around him Royal Paintings Bengaluru (RCB) He refuses to fade even after his daughter Indian Premier League (IPL) Title in 2025. Months after lifting the long-awaited trophy, RCB’s parent company, Diageo UKOfficial sales discussions for the franchise have reportedly begun.
The beverage giant owns RCB through its Indian subsidiary United Sportsincluding investment banks Citifacilitate the contract. The franchise is valued at approximately $2 billion and Early reports from Cricbuzz Suggest that 6 interested parties enter the race. While RCB’s local management are said to be firm on the idea, Diageo’s UK headquarters appear to be keen to offload the team as part of a strategic shift away from key assets.
IPL 2026: Indian heavyweights await RCB crown
1. Adar Poonawalla (Serum Institute of India)
According to Cricbuzz, Head of Serum Institute Adar Poonawalla RCB has emerged as one of the leading names in the race to get it. Recently, Poonawalla said that he was taken to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “RCB is a great team … in the right estimation” Indicating that it will be in talks with a US-based equity fund for a joint bid. The Poonawalla family, who previously investigated the ownership of the IPL Team, Adar’s father, Cyrus PoonawallaHe showed interest in 2010 when he was introduced by two new teams Lalit mode. With ADAR’s vast business empire and global network, its entry could bring financial stability, innovation and an ambitious long-term vision for the RCB brand.
2. Parth Jindal (JSW Group)
This JSW Groupwith a spear Parth JindalAnother high-profile contender, according to a CricBuzz report. However, regulatory issues could complicate the offer, as JSW currently owns Capitals of Delhi Along with the GMR group (50% stake each). BTSI’s ownership rules prohibited JSW from participating in more than one IPL franchise, stating that DC had to exit DC to run RCB entirely. If Jindal goes ahead with this hurdle, it positions JSW’s extensive sports portfolio, including Delhi Capitals (IPL) and Bengaluru FC (ISL), as a natural fit to take over one of the Group’s top cricketing franchises.
3. Adani group
Adani group, led Gautam Adanihas long been associated with IPL franchise ownership. As reported by Cricbuzz, Adani was eventually rewarded with the acquisition of the Ahmedabad franchise in 2022. Gujarat titans. Adani Sportsline already manages Giants of Gujarat in Women’s Premier League (WPL) Showing a strong foothold in global cricket operations, the UAE has teams in action in the ILT20. With unbeaten financial resources and a sound sports management structure, the Adani group is considered one of the most credible contenders, fully in line with RCB’s USD 2 billion valuation.
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4. Delhi-based billionaire (name not disclosed)
CricBuzz also highlighted the interest of a billionaire in the stock market, a multi-sector multi-sector encompassing media and finance. Although their identity remains undisclosed, sources suggest that the industrialist has been waiting for years to own the IPL. The addition of a politically influential and financially robust Delhi-based player could make the bidding landscape more competitive, with domestic wealth and strategic gridlock introducing confusion to the negotiating table.
5 & 6. Two US private equity firms
According to Cricbuzz, two major US equity firms are also exploring a potential acquisition or partnership for the RCB deal. In these firms, the IPL is said to have developed a thriving financial ecosystem, particularly the growth of media rights and expanding digital reach. With over 500 million subscribers, the combined Jiostar platform has strengthened IPL’s global audience base, making it an attractive investment opportunity for foreign funds. ANTERISTS PROJECT can generate Rs 20,000 crore annually for IPL content even on a monthly subscription model, excluding advertising revenue. This massive commercialism in turn explains the interest of US investors in a franchise like RCB, one of the most watched and sold teams in global cricket.
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