RCB franchise to be sold

In a recent development, former IPL chairman Lalit Modi claimed that the owners of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are actively looking to sell the franchise. Modi stated that Diageo Plc, the current owner, has decided to remove the team from its balance sheet and is seeking potential buyers.

The year 2025 has been eventful for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Notably, the franchise won its first IPL title, ending a long trophy drought. However, the celebrations were overshadowed by tragedy when a stampede at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru resulted in 11 deaths and numerous injuries.

RCB Owners Have Finally Decided to Take It - Lalit Modi

Lalit Modi stated that Diageo Plc has decided to sell the franchise. Modi noted that the company has now decided to remove the team from its balance sheet and find potential buyers.

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“There have been a lot of rumours about the sale of an @IPL franchise, specifically @RCBTweets. Well, in the past, they have been denied. But it seems the owners have finally decided to take it off their balance sheet and sell it," Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The Only Team Which Would Be Available - Lalit Modi

There have been rumors about the potential sale of Royal Challengers Bangalore, with reports earlier this year stating that Diageo Plc has been negotiating with several interested buyers.

There has been strong interest in the franchise due to its IPL victory, loyal fanbase, and capable management. Lalit Modi said that major global funds or sovereign wealth funds would be eager to acquire RCB as part of their investment and India-focused strategies.

“I am sure having won the IPL last season and also with its strong base of fans and, of course, the Team itself and a great management team, it could be the only Team which would be available as a whole as an #IPL franchise. I am sure one of the Big Global funds or a Sovereign Fund would desperately like to have them as part of their investment strategy and India strategy," Modi wrote.

There Can Be No Better Investment Opportunity - Lalit Modi

Lalit Modi predicted that the sale of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru could achieve a record valuation. He emphasized that the price of RCB would likely set a new benchmark for all IPL franchises.

“There can be no better investment opportunity I could think of than this one. Good luck to whoever can get their hands on to it. It definitely will set a new record valuation which will just go to show that IPL is not only the fastest growing Global Sporting league but also the most valuable. That new price that #RCB sets will become the new floor price for all teams. Good luck to all," Modi added.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru claimed their first-ever IPL title in 2025. The Rajat Patidar-led team defeated the Punjab Kings in the final. RCB showcased consistency throughout the season, winning nine of 14 league matches to finish second with 19 points.

They then beat table-toppers PBKS by eight wickets in the first qualifier to secure a spot in the final. Having previously lost three IPL finals (2009, 2011, and 2016), RCB finally overcame the hurdle with a thrilling victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

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