Billionaire battle for RCB: Over 10 global giants in high-stakes race to buy IPL’s most popular franchise

Ahead of IPL Season 19, Royal Challengers Bengaluru attracts massive global interest, with Indian and international billionaires locked in an intense bidding war for ownership.

Ahead of IPL Season 19, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has once again become the centre of global attention. The franchise, currently owned by Diageo, has been officially put up for sale, triggering an intense bidding war among Indian and international billionaires. With growing interest, the number of potential buyers has now crossed ten major companies, making it one of the most competitive ownership battles in IPL history.

RCB is not just a cricket franchise but a powerful global brand built over the last 18 years. With Bengaluru’s brand value and the unmatched fan following of superstar Virat Kohli, RCB enjoys extraordinary popularity across India and overseas. Despite not winning an IPL title yet, its loyal fan base, massive digital reach, and strong commercial appeal have made it one of the most valuable teams in the league.

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The sale process gained momentum in November last year, when reports surfaced on social media that RCB was available for purchase. This immediately caught global attention, leading to interest from wealthy investors willing to pour in thousands of crores. Since then, the number of bidders has only increased, and competition has intensified.

Among the leading contenders is Lancer Capital, backed by the co-owner of Manchester United, Avram Glazer. The company has already submitted a strong bid and is keen to secure RCB ownership at any cost. Sources indicate that Lancer Capital is aggressively negotiating and trying to outbid other competitors.

Adding to the excitement, American billionaire David Blitzer has also entered the race. Blitzer, who owns stakes in NBA and NHL teams, has reportedly held direct discussions with RCB’s current owners and is aiming to acquire a major stake. His entry has further raised the stakes, bringing global attention to the deal.

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On the domestic front, Indian business giants Adani Group, Manipal Group, and Parth Jindal, who is also a co-owner of Delhi Capitals, have expressed strong interest. These Indian bidders are determined to prevent foreign dominance and are preparing competitive financial offers.

What started with just a few interested companies has now turned into a full-scale financial showdown. Nearly ten major players are now locked in a high-stakes bidding contest, each eager to own one of IPL’s most popular and marketable franchises.

As negotiations continue, the big question remains: Will RCB stay in Indian hands, or will a global giant take control? The final decision is expected to reshape the future of the franchise and the IPL business landscape.

Sports Bureau 

NewsFirst