Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) could be heading into a new chapter off the field. According to a report by Bloomberg, the franchise’s owner, British beverage giant Diageo, is exploring options for a potential sale after the team clinched its maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2025.
The victory, nearly two decades in the making, has reportedly pushed RCB’s valuation, making it one of the most valuable franchises in the league.
The report, citing sources close to the matter, suggests that Diageo is currently assessing the future of its investment in the franchise.
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Diageo Considering Selling RCB After Winning IPL 2025
Diageo is reviewing its ownership of RCB to streamline its global operations. The company is under pressure in its largest market, the United States, where liquor sales have slowed due to a dip in demand for premium alcohol and the ongoing impact of tariffs. Sale of RCB could provide a much-needed cash injection and will allow Diageo focus on its primary beverage business.
Moreover, India’s health ministry has been advocating for a ban on all forms of indirect advertising involving alcohol and tobacco at sporting events. While direct promotion of alcohol is already prohibited, brands like Diageo have often used soda or water products to promote themselves by frequently roping in prominent cricketers for campaigns.
It must be noted that no formal sale process has been initiated yet, but internally, Diageo is reportedly weighing its options and could value RCB as much as $2 billion.
History of RCB’s Ownership
RCB’s title win in IPL 2025 could not have come at a better time for Diageo.
The franchise was initially bought by Vijay Mallya during the IPL’s inaugural auction in 2008. At the time, Mallya was not only running Kingfisher Airlines but also held a prominent position in the liquor business through United Breweries. However, following the collapse of his business empire, United Spirits came under the control of British liquor company Diageo. Along with that acquisition, Diageo inherited ownership of RCB.
In the years since, RCB has remained one of the league’s biggest crowd-pullers, largely due to its star-studded line-ups, boasting of players like Virat Kohli.
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