IPL 2026 sees Indian billionaires and global sports moguls compete to buy Royal Challengers Bangalore in a $2 billion RCB sale, one of the most valuable IPL franchises.
RCB sale 2026: Following their historic IPL 2025 title, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has become one of the most valuable franchises in cricket. With current owner Diageo (United Spirits Ltd) initiating a formal sale through Citigroup, the Bengaluru-based team commands a staggering $2 billion (approx. ₹17,000 crore) valuation. As the March 31 deadline approaches, a mix of Indian billionaires and global sports moguls are scrambling to secure IPL’s crown jewel. This highly anticipated transaction is being closely watched as the RCB sale 2026 heats up.
Global Investors Eyeing RCB
Several international heavyweights are actively pursuing the RCB sale 2026:
Avram Glazer (Lancer Capital): Co-owner of Manchester United, Glazer has reportedly submitted a $1.8 billion bid. After missing an IPL expansion team in 2021, the Glazer family is eager to enter the Indian market, adding to their global sports portfolio that includes the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) and Desert Vipers (ILT20).
David Blitzer: The US billionaire and co-founder of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment is conducting due diligence. Already owning stakes in the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) and New Jersey Devils (NHL), Blitzer is looking for a majority stake in RCB, reinforcing the intense competition surrounding the RCB sale 2026.
EQT Private Capital: The Sweden-based investment firm is evaluating the IPL’s tech-savvy and healthcare-oriented fanbase to expand its active ownership in Asia, further demonstrating the global interest in RCB sale 2026.
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Indian Tycoons Join the Race
Several high-profile Indian investors are competing for RCB:
Adar Poonawalla (Serum Institute of India) confirmed via social media that he plans to submit a “strong and competitive” bid, calling RCB a prime investment opportunity in the upcoming RCB sale 2026.
Adani Group: After losing the Ahmedabad franchise in 2021, Gautam Adani’s conglomerate is back in preliminary talks to establish a foothold in the IPL.
Parth Jindal (JSW Group): Though currently co-owner of Delhi Capitals, Jindal is reportedly interested in RCB. Compliance with BCCI rules would require divesting his DC stake before acquiring RCB.
Manipal Group: Led by Dr. Ranjan Pai, the group is exploring consortium-level talks, possibly partnering with Temasek, to return the franchise to its local roots.
Corporate and Media Players
RCB’s appeal has also attracted major corporate and media bidders:
Times Group (BCCL): India’s largest media conglomerate is exploring acquisition to strengthen its sports-digital dominance.
Capri Global Capital: Already active in sports via UP Warriorz (WPL), Capri Global aims to step up in the men’s IPL.
Sanjay Govil: The Indian-American entrepreneur, owner of Washington Freedom (MLC), is seeking to leverage his US sports experience in India.
Blackstone & Carlyle Group: Leading US private equity firms are evaluating stakes in RCB as a high-growth asset ahead of the next IPL media rights cycle.
Wildcard Bidders
Even unconventional players are in the mix:
Anushka Sharma & Ranbir Kapoor: Bollywood stars reportedly exploring consortium-level stakes, with Sharma eyeing 3% and Kapoor 2%.
Sukesh Chandrashekhar: The jailed conman allegedly submitted a $1 billion all-cash bid, widely dismissed as a publicity stunt.
RCB Sale 2026: A Global Investment Phenomenon
The RCB sale 2026 has quickly become one of the most high-profile sports investment opportunities worldwide. With IPL’s rapidly growing fanbase, global visibility, and expanding media value, the Bengaluru franchise is set to redefine the landscape of sports ownership in India and beyond.
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