The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team has made a remarkable comeback in Cricket history. RCB went from being a team that generated memes to competing for the title of most valuable franchise in the sport.
After 18 years of challenges, RCB finally claimed its first IPL championship in 2025, ending a long period of disappointment. Despite having several cricket stars and a large fan base, the team struggled to secure the title until that victory.
That win changed everything for RCB. The team shifted from being seen as underperformers to becoming champions. This success attracted new sponsors, investors, and International recognition. What was once viewed as a setback turned into a key part of their success story.
In addition to the men’s team success, RCB Women achieved a major milestone by winning the Women’s Premier League title on February 5, 2026. They chased down a target of 204 runs in a thrilling final against the Delhi Capitals, marking a significant moment in their franchise history.
Smriti Mandhana led the team with 87 runs despite feeling ill, while Georgia Voll contributed with an impressive score of 79. With this win, RCB became the first franchise to hold both IPL and WPL titles simultaneously, boosting its brand and global appeal.
Interest Grows as RCB’s Value Increases
RCB’s success on the field has sparked significant interest off the field. Diageo, which operates RCB through United Spirits, has started a strategic investment review that is expected to conclude by March 31, 2026.
Approximately nine parties have reportedly submitted non-binding bids to acquire RCB, with its value jumping to between $1 billion and $1.8 billion following recent successes.
The Glazer family, known for owning Manchester United, appears to be the top bidder, offering around $1.8 billion through their company Lancer Capital, led by Avram Glazer. They also own the Desert Vipers in the UAE’s ILT20 league.
Interest extends to several Indian and global companies. Vaccine billionaire Adar Poonawalla, backed by private equity firm TPG, and Premji Invest—led by Wipro founder Azim Premji—are both eyeing this market. European private equity firm EQT is also a significant player specializing in sports investments.
RCB, one of the most popular teams in the IPL since its inception in 2008, has seen its franchise value soar thanks to recent achievements.
However, the future of M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB’s home ground, is in question following a tragic stampede during last year’s celebrations. Nonetheless, strong investor interest suggests that RCB’s success is viewed as a long-term trend rather than a brief phenomenon.
