RCB owners Looking to Sell Franchise? What is the Reason and How Much Price has been Set for IPL 2025 Champions?

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It has been an eventful week for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, to say the least. After winning the IPL 2025 title last Tuesday (June 3), the franchise has gone through a rollercoaster of emotions and incidents.

The high of winning the title came down to a massive low as RCB's victory celebrations took 11 lives in Bengaluru following a stampede, and now, there are reports that the franchise owners are looking to discard RCB, after a major windfall.

What happened after RCB won the IPL 2025?

The euphoria surrounding RCB's historic win was tragically marred by a deadly incident during the victory celebrations. In an overcrowded celebration event held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a stampede broke out, resulting in the deaths of 11 fans. What should have been a moment of pure joy turned somber overnight, casting a long shadow over the franchise's landmark achievement.

The tragedy brought up serious questions about crowd management and safety measures, even as RCB and local authorities faced backlash from fans and the wider public. It remains unclear how this incident may affect the franchise's valuation or the potential sale talks moving forward.

According to NDTV, current owners Diageo Plc are exploring options to sell the franchise, either in part or in full-a decision that comes in the immediate aftermath of RCB finally ending their 18-year-long wait for IPL glory.

Why Is Diageo Looking to Sell RCB?

While most assumed the title would usher in a period of consolidation and long-term planning, Diageo Plc, the British liquor giant and parent company of United Spirits Ltd., which manages RCB, appears to be moving in the opposite direction.

As per sources cited by Bloomberg and NDTV, Diageo is actively evaluating the possibility of selling a stake in the franchise. The sale could be partial or total, with discussions already underway with potential investors.

The move is being seen as an effort by Diageo to monetise the brand while it's at its peak. Winning the IPL has not only restored RCB's sporting credentials but has significantly increased its brand value, creating a lucrative window for the owners to cash in. United Spirits Ltd.'s stock surged by as much as 3.3% on Tuesday (June 3) morning, and they are looking to cash out now.

What's the Asking Price for RCB?

While no official valuation has been released, Bloomberg reports suggest Diageo could demand a figure as high as USD 2 billion (approximately INR 16,834 crore) for a complete stake. Such a valuation would place RCB among the most valuable cricket franchises globally.

Despite years of disappointment, RCB has remained one of the most followed and commercially viable franchises in the IPL. Their massive social media following is among the largest for any cricketing team globally.