### RCB's Ownership Change: A New Era for the Franchise The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a prominent team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is officially up for sale as its current owner, Diageo, has initiated a strategic review of its investment. This decision comes in the wake of RCB's recent success, having won its first IPL title in 2025, and is part of Diageo's broader strategy to refocus on its core business. The sale process is expected to conclude by March 31, 2026, with various billionaires, including Nikhil Kamath and Aadar Poonawalla, expressing interest in acquiring the franchise, which could be valued at up to $2 billion [https://cricketaddictor.com/cricket-news/rcb-to-be-bought-by-nikhil-kamath-billionaires-engaged-in-fight-to-acquire-ownership-of-franchise-283603][https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2025/Nov/06/ipl-champions-royal-challengers-bengaluru-could-be-sold-for-as-much-as-2-billion][https://www.financialexpress.com/sports/rcb-up-for-sale-diageos-new-team-owner-strategic-review-to-complete-by-fy-2025-25-end/4033808]. ### Structure of the Ownership Transition 1. **Current Ownership and Sale Announcement** - Diageo, through its subsidiary United Spirits, has confirmed the sale of RCB, marking a significant shift in ownership strategy [https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/cricket/royal-challengers-bengaluru-up-for-sale-diageo-confirms-process-underway-2025-11-05-1016036]. 2. **Strategic Review and Timeline** - The strategic review initiated by Diageo aims to finalize the sale by March 31, 2026, allowing for a smooth transition to new ownership [https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/sports/cricket/news/ipl-franchise-royal-challengers-bengaluru-up-for-sale-expected-to-get-new-owner-by-31-march-2026-136347781.html]. 3. **Valuation and Potential Buyers** - RCB's valuation is projected to be around $2 billion, attracting interest from several high-profile billionaires, including Nikhil Kamath and Aadar Poonawalla [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/will_royal_challengers_bengaluru_exist_after_2026_womens_premier_league_will_that_affect_players/s1_17726_43023864][https://www.thebridgechronicle.com/sports/rcb-franchise-sale-diageo-strategic-review-as99]. 4. **Impact of Virat Kohli's Retirement** - The looming retirement of star player Virat Kohli has raised questions about RCB's future valuation and marketability, adding another layer of complexity to the sale [https://www.businessupturn.com/sports/cricket/ipl/rcbs-valuation-under-cloud-as-virat-kohlis-ipl-retirement-looms-diageo-plans-to-sell-franchise-before-ipl-2026]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Valuation Estimates**: RCB could be sold for as much as **$2 billion**, reflecting its status as a top franchise in the IPL [https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2025/Nov/06/ipl-champions-royal-challengers-bengaluru-could-be-sold-for-as-much-as-2-billion]. - **Ownership Timeline**: The sale process is expected to be completed by **March 31, 2026**, ensuring a new owner is in place before the next IPL season [https://www.financialexpress.com/sports/rcb-up-for-sale-diageos-new-team-owner-strategic-review-to-complete-by-fy-2025-25-end/4033808]. - **Interest from Billionaires**: Notable figures like **Nikhil Kamath** and **Aadar Poonawalla** are among those interested in acquiring RCB, indicating strong market interest [https://cricketaddictor.com/cricket-news/rcb-to-be-bought-by-nikhil-kamath-billionaires-engaged-in-fight-to-acquire-ownership-of-franchise-283603][https://www.thebridgechronicle.com/sports/rcb-franchise-sale-diageo-strategic-review-as99]. ### Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for RCB In summary, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru is entering a pivotal phase as it prepares for a change in ownership. The strategic review initiated by Diageo aims to finalize the sale by March 31, 2026, amidst a backdrop of significant interest from potential buyers and the impending retirement of key player Virat Kohli. This transition could redefine the franchise's future in the IPL landscape. 1. **Ownership Change**: Diageo is selling RCB to refocus on its core business. 2. **Valuation and Interest**: The franchise is valued at up to $2 billion, attracting notable billionaires. 3. **Timeline for Sale**: The sale process is expected to conclude by March 31, 2026. 4. **Impact of Player Retirements**: Kohli's retirement may influence RCB's marketability and valuation. This ownership transition marks a significant moment for RCB, potentially reshaping its trajectory in the competitive world of cricket [https://www.financialexpress.com/sports/rcb-up-for-sale-diageos-new-team-owner-strategic-review-to-complete-by-fy-2025-25-end/4033808][https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/ipl-2025-royal-challengers-bengaluru-sale-diageo-ownership-review-2814309-2025-11-05].