Royal Challengers Bengaluru could soon be entering a new era, with Indian-American billionaire Sanjay Govil emerging as a leading contender to acquire the franchise. Reports suggest Govil may join hands with Glamorgan Cricket Club, his existing partner in other T20 ventures, to bid for IPL 2025 champions RCB.
Govil isn’t new to franchise cricket. He already owns teams in Major League Cricket (Washington Freedom) and The Hundred (Welsh Fire), the latter also being operated with Glamorgan. The duo has also shown interest in buying a Big Bash League team, signalling their ambition to expand globally. For now though, RCB remains one of their top targets, and they’re confident they have the financial muscle to get the deal done.
Why RCB Is Back on the Market
RCB’s journey over the past year has been a rollercoaster. After finally winning their maiden IPL title in 2025, ending a 17-season drought, celebrations turned tragic. A stampede during the victory parade caused 11 deaths, sparking nationwide criticism and forcing major administrative changes. Several officials were arrested, and matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium were temporarily suspended.
Currently, RCB is owned by Diageo, the global liquor giant. But in the wake of the controversy, the group is reportedly reconsidering its long-term connection with the franchise. Diageo recently announced a “strategic review” of its investment in RCB, expected to conclude by March 2026. Industry insiders believe a full sale is on the table once this review is completed.
Diageo values RCB at around $2 billion (approx Rs 20,000 crore), a figure that puts the Bengaluru-based franchise among the most expensive cricket teams in the world.
A Look Back at RCB’s Ownership Journey
When the IPL was introduced in 2008, the Bengaluru franchise was the second most expensive team at the auction. Business tycoon Vijay Mallya bought the rights before his financial empire collapsed years later, leading to Diageo taking over in 2016.
Since then, IPL franchise valuations have skyrocketed. In 2022 alone:
- Lucknow Super Giants was purchased by Sanjiv Goenka for Rs 7,500 crore.
- Gujarat Titans went to CVC Capital Partners for Rs 5,600 crore.
Before the 2025 season, the Torrent Group also bought a 67% stake in another franchise for Rs 5,000 crore, an indication of how lucrative the business of cricket has become.
What’s Next for RCB?
RCB remains one of the IPL’s biggest brands, significantly boosted by the presence of Virat Kohli, who has been the face of the franchise since its inception. With on-field success finally achieved, off-field uncertainty has now become the storyline.
If Sanjay Govil and Glamorgan succeed in their bid, it could mark the beginning of a completely new chapter for RCB, one that blends global cricket experience with a fresh management approach.
For now, fans will be watching closely as the franchise enters what could be the most important transition in its history.
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