The owner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has launched a strategic review of its investment in the Indian Premier League franchise, signaling that a potential sale or major restructuring could be on the horizon.
United Spirits Ltd. (USL), the Indian subsidiary of global beverage giant Diageo, said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange that it has begun a “strategic review of the investment in Royal Challengers Sports Pvt. Ltd.,” which owns both the men’s and women’s RCB teams.
The review will assess all options for the franchise and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026. While USL stopped short of confirming a sale, the move is widely seen as a precursor to a change in ownership.
“RCSPL has been a valuable and strategic asset for USL, however it’s non-core to our alcobev business,” said USL Managing Director and CEO Praveen Someshwar. “This step reinforces our commitment to long-term value creation while keeping RCSPL’s best interests in mind.”
Industry analysts say the review comes amid growing investor interest in the IPL, which has seen franchise valuations soar in recent years. RCB, one of the league’s most recognized teams, could fetch more than $2 billion if sold, according to market estimates.
United Spirits’ decision also reflects Diageo’s broader effort to streamline its portfolio and focus on its core alcoholic beverage operations.
RCB, which represents Bengaluru in the IPL, has built one of the largest fan bases in franchise cricket. The team’s women’s side won the Women’s Premier League title earlier this year, further boosting the brand’s value.
The strategic review could lead to a full or partial sale, with reports suggesting interest from Indian conglomerates and global investment groups. Any deal would likely mark one of the most significant franchise transactions in IPL history. (Newswire)
