RCB Sale Set To Cross USD 2 Billion, Two Final Bidders
RCB sale nears USD 2 billion with two bidders in race.
The sale of Royal Challengers Bengaluru has entered its final stage, with the franchise’s valuation likely to cross USD 2 billion and only a handful of serious bidders remaining in contention, according to multiple reports.
The high-profile deal, initiated by United Spirits Limited as part of a strategic review of non-core assets, has attracted strong global and domestic interest. Binding bids were due by mid-March, with sources indicating that the transaction could be finalised by the end of the month, just ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
At the centre of the final race are two प्रमुख contenders. One is EQT Group, which is preparing a binding offer valuing the franchise at around USD 2–2.1 billion. The other is a consortium led by businessman Ranjan Pai, which has also advanced to the last stage of negotiations.
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Earlier in the process, several high-profile names had shown interest, including Adar Poonawalla and Avram Glazer, whose Lancer Capital had reportedly submitted a non-binding bid of around USD 1.8 billion. However, the field has since narrowed significantly after the binding bid phase, leaving just the final contenders in the race.
The potential valuation underscores the rapid commercial growth of the Indian Premier League, with franchises increasingly viewed as premium sports-media assets rather than traditional team ownerships. Analysts point to stable revenue streams, global fan engagement, and strong sponsorship ecosystems as key drivers behind the soaring valuations.
For RCB, the timing of the sale is particularly significant. The franchise enters IPL 2026 as defending champions after securing its maiden title in 2025, further boosting its brand value and investor appeal. If the deal crosses the USD 2 billion mark, it would rank among the most expensive franchise sales in global sport, highlighting the IPL’s growing stature in the international sports economy.
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