Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise that recently won its maiden IPL title, has been officially put up for sale by its parent company, Diageo Plc.
The UK-based company,
which owns RCB through its wholly owned subsidiary United Spirits Limited, initiated the sale process in a strategic review of its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd. Diageo announced this move to the Bombay Stock Exchange on November 5, 2025, with the sale expected to conclude by March 31, 2026.
RCB's valuation is exceptionally high, reportedly around $2 billion, reflecting its strong brand, loyal fan base, and recent championship success. The franchise's journey from its original ownership under Vijay Mallya to Diageo's stewardship has been marked by iconic players like Virat Kohli, who remains the face of the team. Speculation around potential buyers includes prominent Indian business groups such as the Adani Group, JSW Group, and Serum Institute's Adar Poonawalla, among others.
This sale could mark one of the biggest ownership changes in IPL history, but the biggest question lingering is the fate of the players. As the IPL 2026 mini auction is on the horizon, the franchises have been handed a retention deadline. The teams will have to finalise their retention list by November 15. RCB won their maiden IPL title in 2025 and they are expected to keep hold of the majority of their squad, but will it be the same if they are put for sale?
Will Virat Kohli and others be Retained by RCB?
It remains a tricky question for now. By all means, the retention decision is expected to be taken by the new ownership, but with the deadline being imminent, Diageo and the current RCB management will likely have their full authority in the retention decisions.
In terms of the retentions, RCB are expected to keep the majority of their current squad with a few releases. Virat Kohli, for certain, will be wearing the Bengaluru shirt barring some earth-shattering developments within the franchise.
But on the other hand, the current owners may look to offload the team as soon as possible. If they find a potential suitor before the IPL auction next month, we may witness a new set of personnel spearheading the franchise. Even then, the new owners can retain the current management to preserve continuity, especially after such a special IPL 2025.
