Speculation surrounding the future ownership of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continues to intensify, with new names emerging as potential investors in the IPL franchise. After reports linking business tycoon Adar Poonawalla with a possible bid, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma has now been mentioned as another interested party.
According to a report by The Financial Express, Anushka Sharma is not aiming for a controlling stake in RCB but is exploring the possibility of acquiring a minority share in the team.
The report suggests that she could be looking to purchase around a three percent stake, which, based on the franchise's current valuation, may involve an investment of nearly ₹400 crore.
RCB, crowned IPL champions in 2025, is currently
owned by Diageo. The global beverage giant is reportedly preparing to exit the franchise entirely by March 2026, sparking interest from several high-profile individuals and corporate groups eager to enter the IPL ecosystem. With RCB being one of the league's most popular and commercially successful teams, any potential change in ownership has naturally attracted widespread attention.
At present, neither Anushka Sharma nor Virat Kohli holds any ownership stake in the Bengaluru-based franchise. Kohli, however, remains one of RCB's biggest icons and has played a central role in building the team's global fan base and brand identity over the years.
If Anushka Sharma does move forward with a stake purchase, the development could raise questions about regulatory guidelines. The BCCI has long maintained restrictions on active players owning shares in IPL teams, a rule introduced in 2007. While Kohli himself cannot directly invest in the franchise due to these regulations, his family members are not explicitly barred, though such a move could still invite scrutiny.
With Diageo's potential exit approaching and prominent names being linked with RCB, the franchise's ownership story is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched narratives in the IPL landscape. Whether Anushka Sharma's reported interest translates into an actual investment remains to be seen, but it has already added a fresh layer of intrigue to RCB's future.
