RCB to Be Sold? Rumours of Buying the IPL Team Spark Ownership Talks

Rumours swirling around the potential sale of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have stirred excitement and speculation in cricket and business circles alike. However, both the team's parent company, Diageo India, and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar have categorically dismissed the claims.

On June 10, Diageo India - the Indian arm of global beverage giant Diageo Plc - issued an official clarification to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), addressing recent media reports. Company secretary Mital Sanghvi stated, "The company would like to clarify that the aforesaid media reports are speculative in nature and it is not pursuing any such discussion."

DK Shivakumar Shuts Down Talk of RCB Buyout

Amid the buzz, reports also linked DK Shivakumar to a potential purchase of the IPL franchise. Setting the record straight, the Deputy CM firmly denied any involvement or interest.

"I am not a mad man. I'm just a member of the Karnataka Cricket Association from my younger days, that's all. I don't have time, though I had offers to be part of the management... Why do I need RCB? I don't even drink Royal Challenge," Shivakumar said, brushing off the speculation.

Speculation Persists Despite Denials

Despite the official statements, speculation gained momentum following a Bloomberg report suggesting Diageo might be reconsidering RCB's ownership after the team's historic IPL 2025 win. RCB lifted their maiden title on June 3 by defeating Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Market reaction was swift. Shares of United Spirits, Diageo's Indian subsidiary, began trending upward as sale rumours circulated. Sources say Diageo's clarification was issued in response to a query from the BSE - a sign of how seriously the reports were being taken by investors.

RCB's Valuation: Is USD 2 Billion Too Much?

The buzz around RCB's potential sale also triggered debate over the franchise's valuation. With figures floating around the USD 2 billion mark, some industry analysts questioned whether the price was overblown-especially when compared to Torrent Group's USD 1 billion acquisition of the Gujarat Titans.

However, IPL founder Lalit Modi backed the valuation. "I will not be surprised if it is sold for a higher price," he said, arguing that RCB's legacy and market reach set it apart from newer franchises.

Celebrations Turn Tragic: Parade Stampede in Bengaluru

RCB's championship win was tragically followed by a stampede on June 4, during a celebratory parade in central Bengaluru. Over a lakh fans gathered for the victory march from Vidhana Soudha to M Chinnaswamy Stadium, but a lack of crowd control led to the death of 11 people and injuries to over 50 others.

The incident cast a shadow over the franchise's historic win and invited scrutiny over event planning and public safety. Critics pointed fingers at the organisers, blaming poor coordination and inadequate emergency measures.

What's Next for RCB?

While Diageo and DK Shivakumar have distanced themselves from any ownership shuffle, the ongoing speculation highlights the immense market value and global appeal of the RCB brand. Industry watchers believe that even though no sale is imminent, the rising valuation and public interest could influence future decisions.

For now, one thing is clear: Royal Challengers Bengaluru is not up for sale, and DK Shivakumar has no intentions of entering the high-stakes world of IPL franchise ownership.