RCB ownership may change hands: Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla signals strong bid

Adar Poonawalla’s public interest in acquiring Royal Challengers Bengaluru comes as current owner Diageo reviews its stake, with a possible decision expected by March 2026.

One of the Indian Premier League’s most popular franchises, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), could soon see a major ownership change. Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, has openly expressed his intention to bid for the Bengaluru-based team.

On Thursday, Poonawalla shared a post on social media platform X, stating that he plans to place a strong and competitive bid for RCB in the coming months. He described RCB as one of the best teams in the IPL, reinforcing his long-standing admiration for the franchise. As early as October last year, Poonawalla had remarked that RCB would be a great acquisition at the right price, signalling serious interest well before his latest post.

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

— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) January 22, 2026

This development comes at a time when Diageo, the multinational company that currently owns RCB, is reportedly exploring options to sell part or all of its stake in the team. Diageo has informed the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) that it is undertaking a “strategic review” of its investment in RCB. According to disclosures, this review process could be completed by March 31, 2026, indicating that a transaction may be on the cards.

RCB’s rising value makes the potential deal significant. The franchise was originally sold in 2008 for USD 111.6 million and has since grown into one of the most valuable teams in the IPL, driven by strong fan support and recent on-field success.

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Performance-wise, RCB is currently enjoying a golden phase. The men’s team won its maiden IPL title in 2025 and is now preparing to defend the championship. Meanwhile, the women’s team lifted the Women’s Premier League (WPL) title in 2024 and is currently leading the points table in the 2026 season.

With strong sporting results and growing commercial value, RCB’s possible ownership transition is being closely watched across the cricket and business worlds.