The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched its first maiden IPL title after defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) on June 3, 2025. A wait of 18 years came to an end when Virat Kohli lifted the IPL trophy but the happiness was quite short-lived.
On June 4, RCB held its victory celebrations in Bengaluru and a tragic stampede happened which killed 11 people and many were injured. Following which RCB took many initiatives to help the families of the affected. According to multiple reports, RCB’s brand value has gone up to $269 million after winning the title which is more than any other franchise.
But now ex-IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has stirred up a storm after he made a shocking claim that fueled the speculation about potential change in the ownership of the franchise.
“There have been a lot of rumour about the sale of an @iplt20 franchise specifically @royalchallengers.bengaluru – well in the past they have been denied. But it seems the owners have finally decided to take it off their balance sheet and sell it. I am sure having won the IPL last season and also with its strong base of fans and off course the Team itself and a great management team – it could be the only Team which would be available as a whole as an#ipl franchise. I am sure one of the Big Global funds or a Sovereign Fund would desperately like to have them as part of their investment strategy and India strategy. There can be no better investment opportunity I could think of then this one. Good luck to whoever can get their hands on to it. It definitely will set a new record valuation which will just go to show that IPL is the not only the fastest growing Global Sporting league but also the most valuable. That new price that #rcb sets will become the new floor price for all teams. Good to luck to all. I am sure #citibank will do a great job auctioning the team to prospective buyers.”
If this happens then RCB will be the most expensive franchise in the history of IPL considering its brand value, followers and long-term association with cricket legend Virat Kohli. Earlier, when the speculations about the sale arose Diageo dismissed the rumours calling it as speculative.
