Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Nikhil Kamath, Ranjan Pai, Adar Poonawalla Emerge as Potential RCB Buyers
A popular Indian cricket team, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), is being put up for sale by its owner, Diageo.
Some very rich business people are interested in buying it, including Nikhil Kamath and Ranjan Pai, who are from Bengaluru, and Adar Poonawalla, who runs a big company that makes medicines.
It's thought that having someone local involved is important to keep the fans happy.
The team is worth a lot of money, especially after they won their first championship recently.
The owners want to see who will buy the team in the next few years.
The team has the highest brand value among all the IPL teams, and the sale is expected to be a major ownership change.
Diageo has initiated a review to sell the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL and WPL franchises.
Nikhil Kamath, Ranjan Pai, and Adar Poonawalla are reportedly among the leading potential buyers for the RCB franchise.
RCB's brand value is $269 million, the highest among all IPL franchises, following their first IPL title win.
The sale is expected to fetch around $2 billion, a significant increase from its previous valuation.
A local connection to Bengaluru is considered important for any potential buyer to maintain ties with the fanbase.
- Who
- Diageo, the parent company of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), is looking to sell the franchise. Potential buyers include Nikhil Kamath, Ranjan Pai, and Adar Poonawalla.
- What
- Diageo has initiated a strategic review of its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd (RCSPL), signaling its intent to sell the RCB IPL and WPL teams.
- When
- The decision was disclosed to the Bombay Stock Exchange, with the sale process expected to conclude by March 31, 2026.
- Where
- Bengaluru, India, home of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
- Why
- Diageo is reportedly looking to exit non-core sports assets as part of a broader strategy to refocus on its core alcohol portfolio.
Local Connection and Support
Financial Muscle and Interest
Maintaining Fanbase Connection
Local Connection and Support
Any potential buyer consortium would ideally need a figure with strong ties to Bengaluru to maintain a close connection with the fanbase. Support from local political and social circles is also considered crucial.
Financial Muscle and Interest
High net worth individuals like Adar Poonawalla, Ranjan Pai, and Nikhil Kamath bring significant financial backing, with valuations ranging from $2.5 billion to over $20 billion, which is essential for acquiring a franchise estimated to be valued significantly higher than its previous $1 billion valuation.
- Parent Company
- Diageo
- Entity for Sale
- Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd (RCSPL), including RCB's IPL and WPL teams
- Potential Buyers Mentioned
- Nikhil Kamath, Ranjan Pai, Adar Poonawalla
- RCB Brand Value (2025)
- $269 million (highest among IPL franchises)
- Estimated IPL Business Value (2025)
- $18.5 billion
- Previous RCB Valuation
- Over $1 billion (2022)
- Expected Sale Timeline
- By March 31, 2026
- Estimated Asking Price
- Around $2 billion
Sources
Adani Group, Ravi Jaipuria Enter Race To Buy Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Report
United Spirits MD Praveen Someshwar says RCB non-core as Diageo begins review for potential sale
What led Diageo to put RCB on sale after IPL 2025 triumph? When will Bengaluru-based franchise get new owners?
RCB up for sale: Nikhil Kamath, Ranjan Pai, Adar Poonawalla emerge as potential buyers
