RCB Sale Rumors After Historic IPL 2025 Win: Diageo India Responds to Speculation
In a dramatic turn of events following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) historic maiden IPL 2025 title win, whispers of a potential sale of the franchise have sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Diageo India, the Indian arm of the UK-based liquor giant Diageo Plc and owners of RCB, has officially stepped in to address the mounting speculation.
On Tuesday, June 10, Diageo India issued a formal statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), dismissing media reports of a possible sale as ‘purely speculative.’ Mital Sanghvi, the company secretary, reiterated in the letter, ‘The company is not pursuing any such discussion, and these reports lack factual basis.’ The statement was a direct response to a query from BSE, where United Spirits—a Diageo-owned entity holding RCB—is publicly listed. Interestingly, since the sale rumors surfaced, United Spirits’ shares have witnessed a significant surge, reflecting market intrigue.
The speculation gained momentum after a Bloomberg report on June 10 claimed that Diageo was contemplating offloading the franchise. This came on the heels of RCB’s long-awaited triumph on June 3, ending a 17-year wait for the IPL trophy at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, the celebrations were tragically marred by an incident in Bengaluru on June 4, where chaotic fan gatherings resulted in 11 fatalities and numerous injuries, casting a shadow over the victory.
Despite Diageo’s categorical denial, the ambiguity in their response has fueled further debate among industry insiders. A prominent figure in India’s sports business ecosystem, speaking anonymously, hinted at underlying pressures. ‘As a public company, Diageo faces immense scrutiny over reputational risks, especially post the tragic incident. They may be evaluating their options more seriously than they’re letting on,’ the source told Cricbuzz.
Adding to the buzz, murmurs of RCB’s valuation have pegged the franchise at a staggering USD 2 billion. While some analysts deem this figure inflated—pointing to Torrent’s acquisition of Gujarat Titans in 2022 for approximately INR 7500 crore (USD 1 billion)—others believe it’s justified given RCB’s massive fan base and brand equity. Lalit Modi, the brainchild behind the IPL, supported the higher valuation in a recent Cricbuzz interview. ‘I wouldn’t be surprised if RCB fetches an even higher price. Comparing it to Gujarat Titans, a newer franchise, isn’t fair. RCB is a legacy team with unmatched emotional connect,’ Modi remarked.
RCB’s journey in the IPL has been a rollercoaster. Since its inception in 2008, the franchise, led by stalwarts like Virat Kohli, has been a fan favorite despite years of heartbreak. Their 2025 victory against Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling final—where Kohli’s match-winning century and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fiery bowling sealed a 6-wicket win—marked a turning point. With over 10 million followers on social media and a dedicated fan base known as the ‘RCB Army,’ the team’s commercial value has soared, making the sale rumors even more intriguing.
Yet, the question remains—will Diageo hold on to this prized asset, or are they quietly exploring offers behind closed doors? Bloomberg’s report noted, ‘No final decision has been made, and discussions, if any, are private,’ quoting undisclosed sources. As the dust settles on RCB’s historic win, the off-field narrative around their ownership continues to captivate fans and investors alike.
For now, Diageo India stands firm on its stance, but the cricket community remains on edge. Will RCB’s future take another unexpected turn, or will this be yet another rumor laid to rest? Only time will tell. Until then, the RCB saga—both on and off the field—promises to keep us glued.