Expectation around Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 After a major announcement by one of India’s most prominent businessmen, the ownership frenzy reached a fever pitch. On Jan. 22, the billionaire vaccine mogul officially ended months of speculation by announcing which franchises it intends to bring under its corporate umbrella. The revelation comes at a transformative time for the league, as the defending champions are currently undergoing a strategic review that could lead to the most expensive team sale in sports history. With the 2026 season scheduled to start on March 26, the timing of the announcement has sent shockwaves through both the cricketing and financial worlds.
IP(L 2026: Billionaire confirms ‘strong and competitive’ bid for RCB
In a definitive post on the official X arm, Adar Poonavalladirector general Serum Institute of Indiaconfirmed that he will make an offer for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Poonawalla described RCB “One of the best teams in the IPL” marks the first time it has publicly undertaken a formal tender process after months of cryptic instructions.
While the corporate czar did not disclose specific financial details or the exact timing of the offer, he stressed that the offer would be “strong and competitive”, hinting at his intention to outbid other potential high-net-worth bidders. His interest in the franchise is due to its large global footprint and recent on-field success, having clinched the IPL 2025 title a few months ago.
Multiple reports suggest that Poonawalla’s move is a strategic attempt to diversify his portfolio into consumer-focused brands after acquiring a significant stake in Dharma Productions. Targeting RCB, he wants to acquire the ‘triple crown’ asset of a championship-winning men’s team, a successful women’s team (WPL 2024 champions) and the highest-selling player in the history of cricket. Virat Kohli.
“Over the next few months we will deliver a STRONG and COMPETITIVE bid for @RCBTweets, one of the best teams in the IPL.” Adar Poonawalla wrote in X.
A STRONG and COMPETITIVE offer will be made available over the next few months @RCBTweetsOne of the best teams in IPL.
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) January 22, 2026
Strategic sale of defending IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Diageo, the global drinks giant and RCB’s current owner, cleared the way for Poonawalla’s bid when it launched a ‘strategic review’ of its investment. Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd (RCSPL). In its filing with SEBI, the company confirmed its intention to complete this review by March 31, 2026, which effectively puts the franchise in the market at the peak of valuation.
The decision to pull out is said to be due to Diageo’s desire to focus on its “core alcobev business” and follows the tragic stampede in Bengaluru during the team’s 2025 victory parade that claimed 11 lives and caused significant operational concerns. Currently, RCB is valued at around $269 million (₹2,390 crore) according to the latest brand research, but some reports, including the Hindustan Times, suggest that the final sale price could go up to $1.2 billion given the team’s status as defending champions.
Managed by Sales Citibankand is expected to set a new ‘floor price’ for all future IPL team evaluations Lucknow Super Giants. For fans, the potential switch from Diageo to a passionate local billionaire like Poonawalla gives hope for a more stable and locally invested management structure as the team heads into the 2026 season.
Also READ: IPL 2026: KGF and Kantara makers Hombale Films planning to buy RCB? Here’s what we know so far
