IPL 2026: A Shockwave in the Cricketing World! Will RCB Be Sold for ₹17,000 Crore? The Startling Truth Revealed

India’s cricket universe, epitomized by the Indian Premier League (IPL), is not just a sports tournament—it is a dazzling blend of glamour, money, and intense passion. Every year, the league captures millions of hearts, turns cricketers into overnight superstars, and generates billions in revenue for franchises. In such a landscape, a shocking revelation about the future of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)—one of IPL’s most iconic teams and recent title winners—was bound to create ripples across the cricketing world.

A Bloomberg report has sent shockwaves through the commercial corridors of the sport: British liquor giant Diageo PLC is reportedly considering selling part or even all of its stake in RCB. This news has stunned not only RCB fans but the entire sports industry—especially as it comes at a time when the team is at the peak of its success. Why would a global conglomerate plan to sell one of its most valuable assets at its highest point?

Is Diageo Preparing to Exit RCB Ownership?

Diageo PLC, a major stakeholder in United Spirits Limited, currently holds a significant partnership in RCB. According to Bloomberg, the company has begun preliminary discussions with potential advisers, although no final decision has yet been made. If this deal goes through, RCB’s valuation could soar to ₹17,000 crore (approximately $2 billion), making it one of the most expensive sports assets in the world.

Such a move could reshape the financial landscape of the IPL entirely. Both Diageo and United Spirits have remained silent on the matter, further intensifying speculation. The biggest question remains: why is a profitable, championship-winning team suddenly being considered for sale?

Why Did This Discussion Begin?

The motivations behind this potential sale are multi-layered—beyond mere business calculations, regulatory and societal pressures play a key role. This development comes at a time when India’s Ministry of Health is strongly pushing to ban direct or indirect promotion of tobacco and alcohol brands in the IPL.

Additionally, there is growing pressure to prevent athletes from promoting such “unhealthy products” indirectly. While direct advertising of alcohol and tobacco is banned in India, companies like Diageo have long used “surrogate advertising” strategies—promoting soda or water under liquor brand names—often leveraging celebrities like Virat Kohli for endorsements.

RCB’s very origin is deeply linked to this context. It was one of the original IPL franchises, initially owned by liquor baron Vijay Mallya. His Kingfisher Airlines shut down in 2012 due to unpaid debts. Later, Diageo acquired Mallya’s spirits business, and eventually RCB became part of its portfolio. With increasing regulatory scrutiny on surrogate ads and historical ties to alcohol branding, retaining RCB has now become a growing challenge for Diageo.

RCB’s First-Ever IPL Win and the Virat Kohli Factor

The timing of this potential sale is crucial. RCB recently clinched its maiden IPL title—a monumental victory that has skyrocketed the team’s brand value and popularity.

Their biggest icon, Virat Kohli, commands one of the largest global followings for any athlete on social media. His international appeal is a cornerstone of RCB’s brand equity. With IPL’s soaring valuations and its expanding global fanbase, RCB has become one of the most sought-after sports properties worldwide.

If this sale materializes, it could set a new benchmark for future sports franchise deals, especially as the IPL is now among the fastest-growing sports leagues globally. It has evolved into a global entertainment and advertising powerhouse, rivalling giants like the NFL and the English Premier League. With short, three-hour games drawing millions of viewers both in India and abroad, IPL’s media and sponsorship value continues to climb.

Diageo’s Global Strategy and the Hunt for Capital

This potential sale may also be part of Diageo’s broader international strategy, not just a reaction to regulatory pressure in India. In the U.S.—its largest market—tariffs and consumer slowdown have affected premium alcohol sales.

Divesting non-core assets like RCB could provide Diageo with much-needed capital during a time of global reassessment. The company may now be looking to refocus entirely on its core alcohol business and exit highly regulated or non-aligned sectors like sports team ownership.

This strategic pivot could usher in a new era for IPL and the Indian sports industry—where ownership and franchise valuations are increasingly influenced by global financial strategies and domestic regulatory policies.

The big question now is: Who will be the next owner of RCB? And more importantly, how will this deal shape the future of the IPL? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—RCB is no longer just a cricket team; it’s now a billion-dollar story in motion.