Picture Credit: IPL/BCCI
Defending Champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru who won their maiden IPL title in the year 2025 are in the hunt for a new owner, with buyers from India and elsewhere showing interest. As per a report in The Telegraph, the owners of Hundred franchise Welsh Fire are “serious candidates” and have funds to purchase the team valued at USD 2 billion. Welsh Fire are co-owned by American tech billionaire Sanjay Govil and Glamorgan Cricket Club. Govil also owns Major League Cricket franchise Washington Freedom
Why is RCB up for sale?
Diageo, a multinational alcoholic beverage company, currently owns RCB in IPL and WPL. Vijay Mallya stepped down in 2016, following which Diageo became the sole owner. Recently, in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Board of India, it said it has undertaken a strategic review of its investment in RCB, which is expected to be complete by March 2026. As per various reports, Diageo aims to focus on its core business and offload sports assets so they have put the franchise on sale. The BCCI and IPL Governing Council are said to have been informed of the development. RCB is closely linked to Virat Kohli, who has been the face of the franchise for years and recently helped guide the team to the title and his involvement makes the franchise worth even more.
Industry insiders estimate that RCB could fetch as much as $2 billion (£1.5 billion) in a potential sale. The franchise was the second most expensive when the IPL launched in 2008, and Diageo acquired full ownership in 2016. According to the Telegraph, Govil and the Glamorgan team, led by chairman and former investment banker Mark Rhydderch-Roberts, are confident they have the resources needed to buy RCB. When Telegraph Sport (UK) reached out for comment on their interest in the franchise, Rhydderch-Roberts responded, “Fire and Freedom do not comment on specific cases. However, we are in the business of owning, operating and developing global cricket franchises. We note current structural trends towards consolidation in global cricket assets and intend to fully participate in that process while creating value for our shareholders.
