Who is Sanjay Govil? Indian origin businessman poised to buy RCB before IPL 2026, owns multiple Cricket Teams

The sale of Royal Challengers Bangalore is currently underway, with the franchise put up for sale by its current owner, Diageo, the global liquor company.

This move follows controversies including a tragic stampede during RCB's maiden IPL title celebration in 2025, which led to criticism and administrative upheavals. Diageo is conducting a strategic review expected to conclude by March 2026 and may sell RCB for an estimated $2 billion (approximately Rs 20,000 crore), making it one of the priciest cricket franchises in the world.

Amid this, Sanjay Govil is being tipped to acquire RCB ahead of the deadline of March next year.

Who is Sanjay Govil?

Sanjay Govil is an Indian-American tech billionaire and sports entrepreneur who has recently emerged as a leading contender to buy the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) IPL franchise.

He co-owns the Welsh Fire cricket team along with Glamorgan Cricket Club and also owns the Washington Freedom team in Major League Cricket in the United States. Govil, alongside his existing partners, is reportedly preparing to acquire RCB as part of his broader ambitions in global franchise cricket ownership.

If Sanjay Govil and his partners succeed in acquiring RCB, the franchise could enter a new chapter blending Govil's extensive global cricket management experience with fresh strategic and operational approaches.

With on-field success finally achieved by RCB, off-field ownership changes could drive new investments, enhanced global cricketing connections, and potential expansion of RCB's brand internationally. The competition for ownership includes other high-profile bidders, but Govil's existing franchise portfolio and financial strength make him a strong front-runner.