The transition of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ownership has reached a fever pitch as billionaire Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, officially announced his intent to acquire the franchise. On January 22, 2026, Poonawalla took to social media to confirm he will be submitting a “strong and competitive” bid for the defending IPL champions over the coming months.
This high-profile interest comes as the current owners, United Spirits Ltd (USL) (a subsidiary of Diageo), undertake a strategic review of the franchise. Valuations for the team have reportedly surged to approximately $2 billion (around ₹17,500 crore), following RCB’s historic maiden IPL title win in 2025 and the ongoing success of the women’s team in the WPL.
The Bidding War: Key Contenders
Poonawalla is not the only heavy hitter eyeing the Bengaluru-based franchise. Several major entities and individuals are reportedly in the fray:
- Adar Poonawalla (Serum Institute): Recently expanded into the entertainment sector with a stake in Dharma Productions; views RCB as a premier consumer-facing asset.
- Hombale Films: The production house behind KGF and Kantara has been RCB’s digital partner since 2023 and is a frontrunner for at least a partial stake.
- JSW Group (Parth Jindal): Already co-owners of Delhi Capitals, reports suggest Jindal is evaluating a move to fully own a franchise, with a particular interest in Bengaluru.
- Adani Group: After narrowly missing out on a team in 2022, the group is reportedly tracking the sale closely.
- Abhishek Bachchan: The sports enthusiast and owner of Jaipur Pink Panthers is rumored to be interested in a minority share.
Why is United Spirits Selling?
The move to divest from RCB, despite its massive commercial success and fan base, is driven by a shift in corporate strategy. Diageo/USL has described the sports franchise as “non-core” to its primary alcoholic beverage business.
The decision was also reportedly accelerated by the tragic June 4 stampede during the 2025 victory celebrations, which claimed 11 lives and prompted a deeper review of the franchise’s operational risks and alignment with the parent company’s long-term goals.
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Uncertainty Over Home Ground
Adding another layer of complexity to the sale is the ongoing debate over RCB’s home matches for the IPL 2026 season. While the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has urged the team to remain at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the franchise is reportedly considering alternative venues like Pune, Mumbai, or Raipur due to lingering security and infrastructure concerns following last year’s incident.
