Is Adar Poonawalla Set To Buy The Entire RCB Franchise For $2 Billion In 2025? What We Know So Far

United Spirits Limited (USL), the company that owns the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has officially put the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise up for sale. Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, has emerged as the frontrunner to acquire USL's entire stake in the team.

For context, USL is a subsidiary of Diageo, the British multinational alcoholic beverage company headquartered in London. According to CNBC TV18, USL is seeking a valuation of $2 billion (approximately Rs 17,762 crore) for the franchise. Global investment bank Citi has been appointed as the transaction advisor for the sale.

Earlier this year, in June, there were rumours about Diageo potentially selling RCB, but the company categorically denied them at the time. Current reports indicate that the potential buyers are interested in acquiring the entire stake in the franchise rather than a partial holding. A Diageo spokesperson declined to comment on the market speculation when approached by CNBC TV18.

Lalit Modi Adds Fuel to Speculation

Adding to the buzz, IPL's first-ever commissioner Lalit Modi tweeted on X:

"There have been a lot of rumours 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 with its strong base of fans and great management, it could be the only team available as a whole.

One of the big global funds or sovereign funds would desperately like to have them as part of their India strategy. This will definitely set a new record valuation and become the floor price for all IPL teams. I am sure Citi will do a great job auctioning the team."

Context: Recent IPL Franchise Sales

The sale of RCB comes shortly after the majority stake of Gujarat Titans (GT) changed hands. Torrent Group, through its holding arm Torrent Investments Pvt. Ltd, signed an agreement to acquire a 67% stake in GT from Irelia Company Pte Ltd, an entity fully owned by CVC Capital.

This development underscores the growing trend of high-value IPL franchise transactions, with RCB potentially setting a new benchmark in team valuations.