Virat Kohli's RCB gets Manchester United owners to lead bidding war

Virat Kohli and Smriti Mandhana (Source:X)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have gone from being the most mocked franchise in cricket to becoming the biggest business story in the sport. After finally winning their first and much-awaited IPL title in 2025, RCB's value has risen, attracting some of the biggest global investors.

The team's long wait for an IPL trophy defined the team for nearly two decades. That narrative changed forever in 2025 when RCB lifted their maiden IPL title after 18 years of heartbreak. The victory instantly transformed the brand's image and commercial appeal.

The success did not stop there. RCB's women’s team added another feather to the cap by winning their second WPL title, defeating Delhi Capitals in a thrilling final on February 5, 2026.

Chasing a massive 204-run target, captain Smriti Mandhana played a heroic knock of 87 runs despite suffering from a high fever, while Georgia Voll added 79. With one IPL title and two WPL trophies, RCB became the first franchise to hold both the IPL and WPL titles at the same time.

Diageo initiates strategic review as RCB's valuation hits high

This on-field success has led to massive interest off the field. Diageo, the global beverage giant that owns RCB through United Spirits, had begun a strategic review of its investment.

The process is expected to conclude by March 31, 2026, and Diageo appears keen to cash in at a time when RCB's valuation is at an all-time high.

According to reports, around nine parties have submitted non-binding bids to acquire RCB. These bids range from approximately $1 billion to $1.8 billion. While these offers are not legally binding, they clearly show the strong demand for the franchise.

Manchester United Owners eye RCB

The most recent and aggressive bid is reportedly from the Glazer family, owners of English football giant Manchester United. Through Avram Glazer's investment firm, Lancer Capital, they are believed to have placed a bid close to $1.8 billion. 

The Glazers already have experience in cricket through their ownership of the Desert Vipers in the UAE's ILT20 league. This time, they appear better prepared after failing to secure an IPL team during the 2021 expansion.

Venkat Ananth

@venkatananth

Breaking this PM on @stateofplayclub: Avram Glazer, executive co-chairman of @ManUtd, has bid $1.8 billion for RCB. The amount is nearly double the $940m RPSG paid for Lucknow in 2021 - RCB has received nine bids in total. - RR has shortlisted five parties, including Glazer.

Other investor's interested in buying RCB

Several Indian and global heavyweights are also in the race. Vaccine billionaire Adar Poonawalla is said to be backed by private equity firm TPG. 

Adar Poonawalla

@adarpoonawalla

Over the next few months, will be putting in a STRONG and COMPETITIVE bid for @RCBTweets, one of the best teams in the IPL.

Premji Invest, the investment arm of Wipro founder Azim Premji, had also entered the bidding, marking a rare move into sports ownership.

European private equity firm EQT, known for its global sports investments, is another contender.

RCB has always been one of the IPL’s most popular teams, with one of the largest fan bases in the league. 

The franchise was also among the most expensive when the IPL began in 2008. However, the fact cannot be denied that recent success has taken its value to an entirely new level.

However, it is important to mention that there are still concerns surrounding the future of RCB’s home ground, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, following last year's tragic stampede during victory celebrations. Despite this uncertainty, investor interest remains strong.