The announcement of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) being up for sale has created huge buzz across cricket circles. The IPL 2025 champions, who finally lifted their maiden trophy this year, are now undergoing a change in ownership as confirmed by Diageo.
Last Wednesday, Diageo officially stated that it has begun the process to sell both the men’s IPL and Women’s Premier League (WPL) teams owned by Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL). The WPL side, established just three years ago, has already claimed a title, making both franchises highly valuable.
Kaif Backs RCB’s Winning Formula
Former RCB player Mohammed Kaif believes the team’s strong structure and approach will remain unaffected despite ownership changes.
“I think the best thing about RCB from last time was how they performed in the auction. They appointed a new captain and his bonding with Virat Kohli was also good. What hadn’t happened in the team’s history before, happened the previous time. Bowlers had more say in their title victory. Whether we talk of Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal. Bhuvneshwar Kumar displayed his good form. So, RCB have understood to spend as much money on bowlers as they do on batters,” Kaif said on YouTube.
Kaif further praised RCB’s balance and smart planning that finally clicked last season.
“Whoever comes as owners, RCB have now set a template that Kohli bats at the top and Tim David plays as a finisher. They brought Phil Salt – Kohli and Salt gave good starts. Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya aren’t that big names but Pandya proved himself as a match-winner with the bat. He also performed well with the ball,” he added.
Diageo’s Strategic Review and Future Implications
United Spirits Limited (USL) has begun a strategic review of its investment in RCSPL, the subsidiary managing both the IPL and WPL franchises. This decision, communicated to the BCCI and IPL Governing Council, is expected to conclude by March 31, 2026, according to Diageo’s disclosure.
The timing of the sale aligns with the upcoming IPL 2026 retention deadline on November 15, followed by player auctions. Any new investor will inherit a roster assembled by the current management, potentially influencing next season’s dynamics.
Industry experts suggest that even if the sale is finalized by March 2026, the ownership transfer could occur after the tournament, depending on negotiation outcomes.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru sale is expected to draw strong interest from domestic and international investors, given the franchise’s soaring brand value after their IPL 2025 triumph and the WPL team’s early success.
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