After Virat Kohli’s RCB, THIS franchise is now up for sale ahead of IPL 2026, Reports suggest that…, name is… News24 –
In a development that’s sent shockwaves through the cricket world, 2025 IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are officially on the market and if Harsha Goenka’s latest hint is anything to go by, Rajasthan Royals (RR) might be joining them.
Goenka, elder brother of LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka, took to X on Thursday and dropped a bombshell:
“I hear, not one, but two IPL teams are now up for sale – RCB and RR… So two teams for sale and 4/5 possible buyers! Who will be the successful buyers – Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru or USA?”
Just like that, two of the league’s most iconic franchises are suddenly at the center of a high-stakes bidding war.
RCB’s $2 Billion Price Tag
RCB’s sale isn’t exactly a surprise. The first signs came back in October when Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, dropped a teasing post hinting that the franchise might be up for grabs. A month later, Diageo confirmed the news, stating they’d begun the process to sell the team.
What’s striking is the asking price – a staggering $2 billion.
And honestly, it makes sense. RCB finally clinched their maiden IPL title in 2025, breaking a 17-year jinx, and that alone skyrocketed their brand value. A Forbes valuation from 2022 had them slightly above $1 billion and that was before the championship run. Today, RCB’s worth is expected to be significantly higher.
Diageo’s filing also clarified that the sale process is expected to conclude by March 31, 2026, meaning the next few months could get very interesting.
Potential bidders? A powerful consortium featuring Nikhil Kamath, TV Mohandas Pai, and Adar Poonawalla is reportedly in the mix. Combined, they bring a net worth of nearly $25 billion.
Rajasthan Royals Also Exploring a Sale?
The Royals have been relatively quiet, but Goenka’s tweet suggests there’s more happening behind the scenes. As of 2024, the franchise’s majority owner is Royals Sports Group (Emerging Media Sporting Holdings Limited) with a 65% stake. Minority investors include big global names like Lachlan Murdoch and RedBird Capital Partners.
RR, the inaugural 2008 champions, have always been one of the IPL’s most intriguing teams, smart scouting, savvy management, and a knack for spotting raw talent. A change in ownership could reshape their long-term roadmap.
Why Are Teams Selling Now?
It’s pretty simple: IPL team valuations are at an all-time high. With the league’s global reach expanding and revenues booming, this is the perfect moment for owners to cash in. And with 4-5 serious buyers reportedly circling, demand is clearly high.
Whether the new owners come from Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, or even the USA, one thing’s clear, the league is entering a new commercial era.
What’s Next?
We’re likely heading toward one of the most dramatic off-season storylines in IPL history. The sale of one team is newsworthy. Two? That’s unprecedented.
If new ownership groups step in and bring fresh investment, innovation, and star power, the IPL landscape could shift dramatically by 2026.
One thing’s for sure: the upcoming season won’t just be about cricket – it’ll be about business, power, and the future of two storied franchises.