Big move off the field: RCB’s ownership to change hands by 2026?

In a major shake-up for Indian cricket’s franchise ecosystem, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) — the reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions and former Women’s Premier League (WPL) winners — are set to go under the hammer. 

Parent company Diageo has initiated a “strategic review” of its ownership in the franchise, signaling a potential sale of one of the IPL’s most high-profile teams.

According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, Diageo made the announcement in a filing to India’s market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), stating that the review will assess its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL). This entity owns both RCB’s men’s and women’s teams.

RCSPL is a wholly owned subsidiary of United Spirits Ltd. (USL), which is controlled by Diageo.

“The RCSPL franchise has been a valuable and strategic asset for USL; however, it is non-core to our alcobev business,” said Praveen Someshwar, Managing Director & CEO of USL, in the SEBI filing.

“This move reflects our continued commitment to reviewing our India portfolio for long-term stakeholder value, while keeping RCSPL’s best interests in mind.”

The review process is expected to conclude by March 31, 2026, potentially paving the way for a new owner.

Rumours about a sale had been swirling since June, following the chaotic stampede outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s victory parade — an event celebrating their maiden IPL title.

Although USL officials had denied sale talks earlier this year, Diageo’s financial headwinds across global markets appear to have shifted the company’s stance.

However, the change in ownership is not expected to impact the upcoming IPL and WPL auctions or planning for the next season. Any new ownership bid will require clearance from the IPL Governing Council, a process expected to continue beyond the 2026 season.

The WPL is slated to begin in January next year, while the IPL auction is scheduled for December 2025 ahead of the 2026 edition.