Parth Jindal’s JSW, Adani Group show interest in buying RCB:Bengaluru’s owner Diageo asks for ₹16,600 crores for sale; two IPL franchise seek new investors

It’s not just one, but two IPL franchises that are reportedly exploring options to bring in new investors. Among them, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has been at the centre of attention, with sources revealing that as many as six interested parties have shown interest if its parent company, Diageo Great Britain, decides to sell. The discussions come at a time when the cost of running IPL teams has increased sharply, prompting franchise owners to seek outside funding. Although no final decision has been made yet, insiders believe the talks have gained momentum as shareholders at Diageo are said to be unhappy with owning a cricket team, something outside the company’s core business interests. Two banks, including Citi, are advising Diageo on the sale. However, RCB’s unresolved June 4 stadium tragedy case and uncertainty over the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium remain hurdles. Full clarity on the future of the Bengaluru franchise is expected in the coming weeks. Top business names in the race Several Indian and American investors are believed to be in conversation with Diageo. Among the known names are Adar Poonawala of the Serum Institute, Parth Jindal of the JSW Group, and the Adani Group. A Delhi-based business tycoon with diverse ventures and two US-based private equity firms are also reportedly interested. Also read: Watch- Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli continue to grind in nets: Australia suffer Cameron Green blow, Marnus Labuschagne added to ODI squad Adar Poonawala had earlier hinted at his interest by posting on X, saying, “At the right valuation, @RCBTweets is a great team.” There are rumours that he may collaborate with an American investment company. The JSW Group, which already owns 50% of Delhi Capitals, would have to exit that team if it makes a serious move for RCB. Meanwhile, the Adani Group, which narrowly missed buying the Ahmedabad franchise in 2022, remains keen to enter the IPL ecosystem. Valuation and media rights to decide the deal The biggest question now is valuation. Diageo is reportedly asking for USD 2 billion (around ₹16,600 crore) for RCB, but experts are divided over whether an IPL franchise is worth that much. The final price may depend on how the next IPL media rights cycle (2027–2032) shapes up. Also read: BCCI gains ₹100 crore from Asia Cup: Board expects earnings of ₹6,700 crore in 2025 With Jio and Star merging and building a subscriber base of over 500 million, media rights revenues could soar again. Estimates suggest that subscription and ad revenues together could generate more than USD 12 billion over the next five years.