Big Blow for RCB Fans: Franchise Likely to Be Sold Soon, New Owner Expected to Take Over Soon

November 07, 2025: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), one of the biggest teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is facing a major change. The franchise is likely to be sold soon, as per media reports. The current owners are looking for a new buyer, which has raised the possibility of a sale.

Just after winning their first IPL title, RCB’s ownership is set to change. The franchise has been put up for sale, and the owners, Diageo, hope to find a new buyer by March 31, 2026. The sale process has already started, and an official disclosure has been made.

In a communication with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the UK-based company stated that this move is part of a strategic review of Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of United Spirits Limited. The company shared this information in a letter sent to the BSE.

RCB Ownership Under Strategic Review

According to Cricbuzz, the statement said, “USL is starting a strategic review of its investment in its wholly-owned subsidiary, RCSPL. RCSPL’s business includes owning the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise, which participates in the men’s Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Premier League (WPL) organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).”

In a cover letter sent to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the stakeholders said that this disclosure was made under Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements). The owners also mentioned that they expect to complete the process by March 31 next year.

Financial Struggles and Speculations

This move comes as Diageo’s drinks business faces financial troubles. In a filing from June 2025, the company denied any plan to sell RCB. United Spirits’ company secretary, Mital Sanghvi, called the sale talks mere speculation. Speculation about a possible sale began after a tragic incident outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, where several people lost their lives during RCB’s trophy celebration.

RCB is one of the most popular IPL franchises, led by star player Virat Kohli. The team has also featured global stars like Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Glenn Maxwell over the years.