Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Adar Poonawalla Bids for RCB
Adar Poonawalla, a billionaire pharma tycoon, has confirmed that he will be bidding to buy the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
RCB is the defending champion of the IPL and is one of the most valuable franchises in the league.
Other big investors like Blackstone and Temasek are also interested in buying RCB.
The current owner, Diageo, is looking to sell the team for a lot of money, possibly around $2 billion.
RCB has a big fan base and famous players, which makes it very attractive to investors.
If the sale goes through, it could set new valuation standards for IPL franchises.
Adar Poonawalla confirms his intent to bid for RCB, calling it a 'strong and competitive' bid.
Diageo, the current owner of RCB, has begun the sale process, seeking a valuation of close to $2 billion.
Blackstone Inc. and Temasek Holdings Pte, along with other global buyout firms, have submitted non-binding bids for RCB.
RCB's brand value has risen to $269 million in 2025, making it one of the most valuable IPL franchises.
The sale of RCB could redefine IPL franchise valuations and reinforce the league's position as a valuable sporting property.
- Who
- Adar Poonawalla, Blackstone Inc., Temasek Holdings Pte, and other global buyout firms are bidding for RCB.
- What
- The sale of the IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by its current owner, Diageo.
- When
- The sale process began in November, with bids being submitted recently.
- Where
- The sale is taking place in India, with RCB being one of the IPL's most valuable franchises.
- Why
- Diageo wants to put the franchise in fresh hands, and there is significant interest from high-net-worth individuals and strategic investors.
Investors
Current Owners
Valuation
Investors
Investors like Adar Poonawalla, Blackstone, and Temasek are willing to bid between $1.4 billion and $1.8 billion for RCB, seeing it as a valuable asset.
Current Owners
Diageo, the current owner, is seeking a valuation of close to $2 billion for the franchise.
- Current Owner
- Diageo (via United Spirits Ltd)
- Defending Champions
- Yes, RCB won the IPL title for the first time last year.
- Estimated Valuation
- $1.4 billion to $1.8 billion
- RCB's Brand Value
- $269 million (2025)
- RCB's Revenue (FY24)
- ₹634.7 crore
- RCB's Net Profit (FY24)
- ₹221.8 crore
- IPL's Overall Business Valuation (2025)
- $18.5 billion
- IPL's Standalone Brand Value (2025)
- $3.9 billion
Sources
Blackstone, Temasek submit bids for Diageo stake in RCB
RCB ownership shake up: Adar Poonawalla confirms ‘strong and competitive’ IPL bid
Adar Poonawalla to put ‘STRONG and COMPETITIVE’ bid for RCB over next few months
RCB Sale: Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla Confirms Bid To Purchase 2025 IPL Champion Team
Billionaire Adar Poonawalla Backs STRONG and COMPETITIVE Bid To Buy IPL 2025 Champions RCB
RCB: Adar Poonawalla To Make Strong And Competitive Bid
Poonawalla to make strong bid for RCB IPL team
Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla set to make ‘strong and competitive’ bid for Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Poonawalla confirms interest in acquiring RCB
Adar Poonawalla enters race to buy RCB: Who else is in the queue?
Adar Poonawalla reveals strong interest in buying RCB: 'Will be putting competitive bid'
‘Will place strong bid in coming months’: Adar Poonawalla confirms interest in RCB ownership
Is Anushka Sharma Set To Buy A 3 Per Cent Stake Worth ₹400 Crore In Royal Challengers Bengaluru? Here's What Reports Say
