RCB ownership shake up: Adar Poonawalla confirms ‘strong and competitive’ IPL bid

Billionaire pharmaceutical tycoon Adar Poonawalla has publicly confirmed his intention to make a bid for Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), paving the way for what could become one of the most high-profile ownership battles in the league’s history.

Poonawalla, CEO of Pune-based vaccine major Serum Institute of India, said he would make a “robust and competitive” bid for the ISL champions in the coming months. The announcement was made via a post on the social media platform X, where it has a following of more than 1.3 million users.

“Over the next few months, we will make an aggressive and competitive bid for RCB, one of the best teams in the Indian Premier League,” Poonawalla wrote, without revealing financial details or timelines.

Adar Poonawalla’s interest in Royal Challengers Bengaluru comes after his recent move into entertainment, having acquired a major stake in Karan Johar-led Dharma Productions, indicating his growing appetite for large consumer-facing assets beyond pharma.

The RCB sale buzz is gaining momentum

The statement adds new impetus to speculation about the possible sale of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru drink by global spirits giant Diageo, the parent company of United Spirits. Media reports over the past year suggested that Diageo was exploring selling a partial or full stake in the franchise, seeking a valuation of close to $2 billion (about Rs 17,500 crore).

If completed at these levels, the deal would rank among the biggest franchise deals in global sport and could significantly reset the valuation standards across the Indian Premier League.

Global investment bank Citi has reportedly been appointed as advisor to the transaction, suggesting an orderly and serious sale process. While Diageo has not officially confirmed the divestment, multiple reports have indicated strong interest from high-net-worth individuals and strategic investors, with Poonawalla emerging as a major contender.

The crown jewel of the IPL

Royal Challengers Bengaluru remain one of the Indian Premier League’s most valuable and visible franchises, driven by a huge fan base and star-studded roster. The team includes notable names like Virat Kohli, Smriti Mandhana, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Phil Salt, making it a commercial powerhouse despite its mixed historical fortunes on the field.

RCB’s recent championship win has increased its appeal, boosting its brand value and revenue potential across sponsorship, promotion and media rights.

Experts point out that RCB’s loyal fan base, especially in Bengaluru and among global Indian fans, makes it uniquely positioned to generate income in the long term – one of the main reasons for the high valuations.

Valuations are at an inflection point

If the reported stake is sold near $2 billion, the RCB deal could redefine IPL franchise valuations across the board. Analysts say that such a deal would strengthen the league’s position as the fastest-growing and most valuable sports property in the world, competing with existing leagues in football, basketball and American football.

With media rights revenues rising, digital viewership expanding and franchise profitability improving, the Indian Premier League is increasingly viewed as a long-term asset rather than a seasonal sports bet.