In a major development in Indian cricket, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has officially been put up for sale. The announcement was made by Diageo, the UK-based parent company of United Spirits Limited (USL), which owns both the men’s and women’s RCB teams.
According to the disclosure, Diageo has initiated the sale process and expects to complete the transaction by March 31, 2026, a move that could mark one of the biggest ownership changes in IPL history.
🚨 RCB HAS BEEN PUT ON SALE. 🚨
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 5, 2025
– There’s confidence that the sale will be completed by 31st March. (Cricbuzz). pic.twitter.com/hxeywOvEst
Diageo Announces “Strategic Review” of RCB Investment
In an official communication to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on Wednesday, November 5, Diageo confirmed that the decision is part of a “strategic review” of its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd (RCSPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of United Spirits Limited.
The company stated:
“USL is initiating a strategic review of the investment in its wholly owned subsidiary, RCSPL. RCSPL’s business comprises ownership of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise team that participates in the men’s Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) cricket tournaments hosted by the BCCI annually.”
The disclosure further clarified that the review and sale process is expected to conclude no later than March 31, 2026.
USL CEO Confirms Decision Is Business-Driven
Praveen Someshwar, Managing Director and CEO of United Spirits Limited, explained the rationale behind the decision, calling it a strategic move aligned with Diageo’s long-term business goals. He said –
“RCSPL has been a valuable and strategic asset for USL. However, it is non-core to our alcobev business. This step reinforces USL’s and Diageo’s commitment to continue reviewing its India enterprise portfolio to enable sustained delivery of long-term value to all its stakeholders, while keeping RCSPL’s best interests in mind.”
What’s Next for Royal Challengers Bengaluru?
With RCB officially on the market, the spotlight now shifts to potential buyers. The franchise, one of the most popular teams in the IPL, has built a massive fan base over the years, thanks to stars like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Faf du Plessis.
While no official bids have been announced yet, the franchise’s brand value and massive following make it one of the most attractive assets in the IPL ecosystem. Fans and industry experts will be closely watching as Diageo moves ahead with the sale process.
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