The landscape of the Indian Premier League is shifting as Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, officially announced his plan to bid for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This social media declaration marks a critical turning point for the franchise, fresh off its first-ever IPL championship in 2025. With current owner Diageo initiating a “strategic review” following that historic win, the competition to acquire one of the league’s most prized assets is gaining serious momentum.
Adar Poonawalla’s Official Intent and Vision
On January 22, 2026, Adar Poonawalla took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to confirm his interest in acquiring the franchise. In his post, he stated that over the coming months, he would be submitting a “strong and competitive” bid for the team, which he described as one of the best in the IPL. This declaration follows a series of hints dropped by the billionaire businessman, including a post in October 2025 where he remarked that RCB would be a “great team” at the right valuation.
As the head of the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer and the chairman of Poonawalla Fincorp, Poonawalla brings substantial financial muscle to the bidding process. His interest is not just a personal passion project but a strategic move into the high-stakes world of sports entertainment, where RCB stands as a crown jewel. The timing of his bid is crucial, as the franchise’s valuation has soared following its 2025 championship win and its long-standing status as a fan favorite, bolstered by legends like Virat Kohli.
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Diageo’s Strategic Exit and the Bidding Landscape
The opportunity for a new owner arose after Diageo, the London-based parent company of United Spirits Limited (USL), announced a strategic review of its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL). In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Bombay Stock Exchange, Diageo indicated that it aims to complete this review by March 31, 2026. The company has clarified that while RCB is a valuable asset, it remains a non-core part of its primary alcobev business.
The valuation of RCB is expected to set new records in the sporting world. Industry experts and former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi have suggested that the franchise could command a price tag between $1.5 billion and $2 billion. Such a figure would more than double the previous record set by the Lucknow Super Giants. To manage this high-profile sale, global investment bank Citi has been appointed as the transaction adviser. The bidding process has already attracted interest from other major players, including the Manipal Group’s Ranjan Pai, the JSW Group, and even global entities like Lancer Capital, owned by Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer.
The Historic Success and Current Status of RCB
The surge in interest for RCB is deeply rooted in its recent on-field success and its massive commercial appeal. After 18 years of waiting, the men’s team finally secured the IPL trophy in 2025 by defeating the Punjab Kings in the final. This victory followed the success of the women’s team, which won the Women’s Premier League (WPL) title in 2024. These back-to-back triumphs have solidified RCB’s position as a powerhouse in Indian cricket, making it an incredibly attractive investment for billionaires like Poonawalla.
Historically, RCB has always been a premium franchise. When the IPL was launched in 2008, it was the second-most expensive team, purchased by Vijay Mallya for $111.6 million. Since then, its value has grown exponentially, driven by a star-studded roster and a loyal “12th Man” fanbase. However, the franchise currently faces some logistical challenges, including uncertainty over its home ground at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium due to safety concerns following a tragic stampede during the 2025 victory celebrations.
A Competitive Road Ahead to March 31
The timeline for the sale is tight, with final bids expected to be finalized before the start of the 2026 IPL season in late March. Adar Poonawalla’s entry into the fray adds a local heavyweight to the competition, potentially keeping the franchise in Indian hands amidst interest from global sovereign funds. As the March 31 deadline approaches, the cricket and business worlds will be watching closely to see if the “Serum King” can secure the winning bid for the defending champions.
The outcome of this sale will not only determine the future of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru but will also establish a new benchmark for the valuation of T20 franchises worldwide. With a strong management structure and a championship-winning squad already in place, the new owner will inherit a legacy that is ready to dominate the next era of the Indian Premier League.
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