Adar Poonawalla to Place Strong and Competitive Bid for RCB Ownership

Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla on Wednesday confirmed that he plans to place a “strong and competitive” bid to acquire Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), signalling serious intent amid reports of a high valuation for the team. The development has drawn significant attention within sporting and corporate circles, given RCB’s stature as one of the league’s most popular franchises.

In a post shared on social media platform X, Poonawalla said he would be submitting his bid over the next few months. Describing RCB as “one of the best teams in the IPL,” he indicated that his proposal would be both strong and competitive, though he did not disclose financial specifics or timelines beyond the near future. The statement marked the first public confirmation of his interest in the Bengaluru-based team.

RCB is currently owned by United Spirits, a company controlled by global beverage giant Diageo. According to reports, United Spirits has set an asking price of around $2 billion to sell the franchise, a figure that underscores the rapid rise in valuations of IPL teams over the past decade. Neither United Spirits nor Diageo has officially commented on the reported valuation or on the bidding process.

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru is among the most followed franchises in the IPL, boasting a massive fan base and strong brand value despite not having won the title so far. The team’s commercial appeal is driven by consistent on-field competitiveness, star players over the years, and a loyal supporter base across India and overseas.

Poonawalla’s potential entry into IPL ownership would add another high-profile Indian business leader to the league’s ownership group. Industry observers note that any sale of RCB would be one of the biggest franchise transactions in global sports, reflecting both the IPL’s commercial success and its growing international profile.

For now, the process appears to be at an early stage, with Poonawalla’s public confirmation setting the tone for what could be a closely watched bidding battle in the months ahead.

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