IPL 2026: RCB ownership race heats up as US billionaire enters $1.8 billion bidding war

Table of Contents

The race to acquire a majority stake in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has officially transformed into a global bidding war, making it the most coveted asset ahead of the IPL 2026 season.

Following their historic IPL 2025 title win, RCB’s market appeal has surged to unprecedented heights, drawing intense interest from international sports moguls and local industrial titans alike. As the March 31, 2026, deadline for the sale approaches, the franchise is no longer just a cricket team, it is a billion-dollar crown jewel that has reset the financial benchmarks of the league.

The financial stakes for RCB have reached unprecedented levels, with current reports from Reuters and Bloomberg valuing the franchise at approximately $1.8 billion. This mammoth figure is a direct result of the team’s recent championship success and its unrivaled commercial pull, anchored by the enduring brand power of Virat Kohli.

Diageo, which controls the team through its Indian arm United Spirits, has officially moved the franchise into an ‘active sale’ phase, seeking to divest what it now labels a ‘non-core’ asset. This move has triggered a fierce bidding war, as the IPL’s overall business valuation has reportedly surged to $18.5 billion, placing it among the most lucrative sports leagues in the world.

As per NDTV Sports report, Adding a fresh and formidable dimension to the race, US billionaire David Blitzer has officially entered the fray. Blitzer, the co-founder of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and an executive at Blackstone Group, is conducting serious due diligence on RCB as he seeks to diversify his already massive sports portfolio, which includes the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils. His entry through his family office, BOLT Ventures, signifies a major shift toward American institutional capital in the IPL. He faces a direct challenge from fellow American Avram Glazer, the Manchester United co-chairman who has reportedly submitted a leading bid through Lancer Capital.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Are KGF and Kantara creators Hombale Films planning to buy RCB? Here’s what we know so far

While American moguls dominate the international headlines, the quest for RCB remains a matter of pride for India’s top industrialist. Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, has been a vocal frontrunner, publicly declaring his intent to keep the franchise under Indian leadership. He is joined by other local heavyweights like Ranjan Pai of the Manipal Group and interest from the JSW and Adani Groups.

However, the strongest international threat comes from Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer, who is reportedly willing to pay a premium to expand his sporting empire into the Indian subcontinent. With the mid-March deadline for final bids fast approaching, the battle has become a symbol of the IPL’s global prestige, pitting the “sports empire” builders of the West against the ‘home-grown’ industrial titans of India.

Also READ: IPL 2026: RCB up for sale? Here’s the full list of potential bidders looking to acquire Royal Challengers Bengaluru