RCB Up for Sale: Nikhil Kamath, Adar Poonawalla in Bidding War

SUMMARY

• RCB up for sale attracts top bidders Nikhil Kamath, Adar Poonawalla, and Ranjan Pai with combined wealth exceeding $25 billion
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru valued above $1 billion with IPL’s highest brand value at $269 million
• Diageo’s strategic review targets March 31, 2026 completion for ownership transfer

RCB up for sale has sent shockwaves through India’s cricket and business ecosystem as billionaire entrepreneurs line up to acquire the IPL’s most valuable franchise. Just months after Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted their maiden IPL trophy, parent company Diageo announced plans to exit. Zerodha‘s Nikhil Kamath, Serum Institute’s Adar Poonawalla, and Manipal Group’s Ranjan Pai are now competing in what could become India’s biggest sports acquisition of 2025.

Who Are the Top Contenders Now That RCB is Up for Sale?

The battle for Royal Challengers Bengaluru features three heavyweight entrepreneurs with proven track records. Nikhil Kamath, whose fintech platform Zerodha transformed Indian stock trading, brings tech expertise and a $2.5 billion net worth to the table. His deep Bengaluru roots make him a natural fit for maintaining the franchise’s local identity.

Adar Poonawalla enters the race with massive financial firepower. The Serum Institute CEO commands a $20 billion fortune and publicly hinted at interest back in October 2024, posting on X: “At the right valuation, @RCBTweets is a great team.”

Ranjan Pai completes the trio with his $2.8 billion empire built through Manipal Education and Medical Group. According to Times of India sources, any winning consortium would ideally feature someone with strong Bengaluru connections to preserve the passionate fanbase’s emotional bond.

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Why is RCB Up for Sale at Such a High Valuation?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s market value has skyrocketed beyond the $1 billion mark last reported in 2022. The franchise now commands a staggering brand value of $269 million, the highest among all ten IPL teams according to investment firm Houlihan Lokey’s 2025 analysis.

The timing creates perfect conditions for maximum valuation. Fresh off their first championship in 18 years, RCB boasts unmatched fan engagement and commercial appeal across India and globally. The IPL ecosystem itself reached an $18.5 billion business valuation with combined franchise brand value hitting $3.9 billion.

This isn’t just about cricket anymore. As Startup INDIAX recently covered, sports franchises have become premium business assets offering diversification opportunities for India’s new-age entrepreneurs.

Read More: How Indian IPL Franchises Became Billion-Dollar Business Empires

What Triggered Diageo’s Decision to Put RCB Up for Sale?

United Spirits Ltd. (USL), Diageo’s Indian subsidiary, filed an official exchange notification announcing the “Strategic Review” of its wholly-owned subsidiary Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd (RCSPL). The global beverage giant expects the entire sale process to wrap up by March 31, 2026.

Industry analysts point to Diageo’s worldwide restructuring initiatives as the primary driver. The company originally acquired RCB as part of broader Indian market penetration but now prioritizes core alcohol brands over sports entertainment assets.

The strategic exit allows Diageo to unlock capital while the franchise value peaks following the championship win. For potential buyers, it represents a rare opportunity to own India’s most recognized cricket brand at a moment of maximum momentum.

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How Much Financial Firepower Do These Bidders Bring?

The wealth gap between contenders is massive. Adar Poonawalla’s $20 billion net worth dwarfs both Nikhil Kamath’s $2.5 billion and Ranjan Pai’s $2.8 billion according to Forbes estimates. However, IPL ownership isn’t purely about individual wealth.

Successful bids typically involve consortium arrangements combining financial muscle with operational expertise. Kamath could leverage Zerodha’s tech capabilities and his existing startup investment network. Poonawalla brings global business acumen from running the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer.

Pai’s Manipal Group offers extensive experience managing large-scale educational and healthcare institutions across India. Each candidate presents unique strategic advantages beyond raw capital.

Netizens React to RCB Up for Sale Announcement

Social media exploded with passionate responses from cricket fans nationwide.

One user wrote, “Nikhil Kamath buying RCB would be perfect. He’s Bengaluru bred, understands tech, and knows how to build winning teams.“

Another fan expressed concern about ownership changes: “We finally won after 18 years and now RCB is up for sale? This feels wrong. Hope the new owner keeps our team identity intact.”

A third perspective favored Poonawalla’s resources: “With Adar’s $20 billion backing, RCB could become a global cricket powerhouse. Money matters in modern sports.“

What Happens Next in the RCB Sale Process?

The sale timeline extends through March 31, 2026, allowing extensive due diligence and negotiation. Any transaction requires BCCI approval, financial audits, and careful handling of existing player contracts and commercial agreements.

Whoever emerges victorious inherits more than just a cricket team. They acquire one of India’s most valuable sports brands with millions of devoted fans, extensive merchandising operations, and massive media visibility across the IPL season.

As Startup INDIAX previously reported, this sale reflects broader trends of entrepreneurs diversifying into sports ownership as alternative investment opportunities beyond traditional business sectors.

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Which billionaire should take control now that RCB is up for sale? Will tech innovation, pharmaceutical wealth, or educational empire expertise shape Bengaluru’s cricket future? Share your predictions in the comments and discover more game-changing Indian startup stories on Startup INDIAX!

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