RCB Owners to Sell Franchise After First IPL Trophy

Lalit Modi, former IPL chairman, has sparked fresh rumours about Royal Challengers Bengaluru being up for sale, just months after the team lifted their first IPL title.

In a recent Instagram post, Modi suggested the owners might finally be considering selling the franchise.

“Offers were denied in the past, but it seems the owners have finally decided to take it off their balance sheet and sell it,” he said.

Modi also hinted at a potential record-breaking price, calling RCB a “once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity” with a strong fan base, solid team, and professional management.

Reports earlier this year suggested Diageo Plc, which owns RCB through United Spirits Ltd., had started discussions with advisors to explore exit options, including a complete sale.

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke, speaking on behalf of Modi, also estimated the team could fetch USD 2–2.5 billion if sold next year.

RCB’s popularity has soared after their first IPL title, and with Virat Kohli leading the team, the franchise remains one of the most commercially viable in the league.

Modi predicted that the new valuation could set a “floor price” for all IPL teams, reinforcing the league’s status as one of the fastest-growing and most valuable sporting leagues globally.