Royal Challengers Bengaluru likely to be sold, Lalit Modi confirms
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi confirmed that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) may soon get a new owner. Read to know more.
One of the most famous teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) may soon get a new owner.
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi recently took to his social media account and wrote, “There have been a lot of rumour about the sale of an IPLfranchise specifically @RCBTweets – well in the past they have been denied. But it seems the owners have finally decided to take it off their balance sheet and sell it.”
At present, RCB is owned by Diageo Plc through United Spirits Ltd. Reports suggest that the company had already started talking to advisers to look at different options including selling the team completely.
RCB has always been one of the most followed franchises in the IPL. From being first bought by Vijay Mallya in 2008 to later being controlled by Diageo, RCB’s journey has always remained high profile. Their first title win earlier this year has only added to their value in the market.
Experts believe that if the sale happens, it could set a record for IPL franchise prices and push the league’s global standing even higher.
The IPL is already compared to major international sporting events like the National Football League (NFL) in the US and the English Premier League (EPL) in the UK. A high-value sale of RCB would further strengthen this comparison.
Further, it has also been reported that Diageo’s decision may not only be financial but also linked to government rules. The Indian government has been putting restrictions on indirect advertising of alcohol brands in sports. This makes it harder for a company like Diageo to use RCB for promotion.
Another factor that may have influenced the owners is the tragic incident at RCB’s victory parade earlier this year, where a stampede led to several deaths.
There have been a lot of rumour about the sale of an @IPL franchise specifically @RCBTweets – well in the past they have been denied. But it seems the owners have finally decided to take it off their balance sheet and sell it. I am sure having won the IPL last season and also… pic.twitter.com/ecXfU5n5v5
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) September 29, 2025
