Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has sparked major buzz with his recent post, stating that RCB-Royal Challengers Bengaluru is officially up for sale after years of swirling rumors. According to Modi, the team’s owners—United Spirits Limited (USL), a subsidiary of global beverage giant Diageo—have decided to “take it off their balance sheet.” This move comes on the heels of RCB’s breakthrough maiden IPL title win, a historic moment that sent both fan enthusiasm and franchise valuation soaring.
Lalit Modi’s Statement and What It Means
In his detailed post, Modi observed, “Having won the IPL last season and with its strong base of fans and great management, it could be the only team which would be available as a whole as an IPL franchise.” He suggested that a major global or sovereign fund may well snap up the Bengaluru-based team, making it a landmark sporting investment in India.
Modi also predicted that RCB’s sale will set a new record for franchise valuation in the IPL, pushing the price floor for all teams higher and demonstrating the league’s position as the world’s fastest-growing—and arguably most valuable—sporting property. He gave a nod to Citibank, which is reportedly advising the sale, expecting it to “do a great job auctioning the team to prospective buyers.”
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
Ownership History: From Mallya to Diageo
RCB was originally purchased by Vijay Mallya—then-chairman of United Spirits—in the inaugural 2008 IPL auction for $111.6 million, making it one of the most expensive teams of the first season. Due to Mallya’s financial and legal issues, Diageo gained control of United Spirits, and thus RCB, in 2016. The franchise has since been run much more professionally, with Prathamesh Mishra currently serving as RCB’s chairman. Across this period, the association with cricket icons—especially Virat Kohli—has only enhanced RCB’s value and global brand power.
Valuation, Revenues, and Current Financials
RCB’s brand value is estimated to have jumped over $269 million after its IPL 2025 title, overtaking long-time leaders like Chennai Super Kings in valuation rankings. United Spirits reportedly wants around $2 billion for the franchise, with interest shown by high-profile bidders like Adar Poonawalla (CEO of Serum Institute of India) and various international investment groups. Franchise revenues have grown dynamically in recent years—from around ₹650 crore with a net profit of ₹222 crore in FY24—with projections of the ₹1,000 crore annual revenue milestone not far off as digital, merchandising, and fan engagement models expand.
Recent Context Around the Sale
Diageo/USL’s willingness to sell comes after years of speculation and denials; media reports indicate the company is seeking a one-time payment for a complete exit rather than a partial stake sale. Factors influencing the decision include the global uptick in sports franchise valuations (see Gujarat Titans’ recent sale) and RCB’s rising value after its maiden title win. United Spirits’ own recent net worth is pegged at ₹7,121 crore, reflecting strong corporate backing during its tenure as RCB’s parent.
Is Adar Poonawala Intrested In This Deal?
At the right valuation, @RCBTweets is a great team…
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) October 1, 2025
The Broader IPL Business Wave
RCB’s sale, if concluded at projected prices, is set to redefine IPL economics and broader Indian sports business standards. The move comes right as IPL franchise valuations are climbing worldwide and big investors see Indian cricket as the next great sporting business frontier. It’s also noteworthy that the move could impact other franchise owners—Sun TV, for example, saw its shares spike 18% in anticipation of a re-rating for its Sunrisers Hyderabad team, following reports of RCB’s possible $2 billion price tag.
In summary, RCB’s journey from Mallya’s flamboyant ownership, through Diageo’s stewardship, to prospective new global or Indian hands, is a case study in IPL’s transition from a cricket spectacle to a global business powerhouse. The next chapter for RCB will likely set benchmarks for both sporting and business value—not just for cricket, but across the Indian and global sporting landscape.
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