Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made headlines in 2025 not just for winning their first IPL title after 18 years, but also for being put up for sale by current owners Diageo. Additionally, business tycoon Adar Poonawalla has shown strong interest in acquiring the franchise. Moreover, this potential sale could set new records in IPL franchise valuations.
Adar Poonawalla Confirms Interest in RCB Purchase
Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of Serum Institute of India, has publicly confirmed his interest in buying RCB. Furthermore, he made his intentions clear through a cryptic social media post stating “At the right valuation, @RCBTweets is a great team”. However, sources suggest that Poonawalla considers the current asking price inflated.
Currently, negotiations are underway between Poonawalla and Diageo Plc, the British multinational company that owns RCB through United Spirits. Additionally, Citibank has been appointed as the transaction advisor for this potential deal. Meanwhile, industry experts believe Poonawalla is the frontrunner among interested parties.
Diageo’s Reasons for Selling RCB
Diageo views RCB as a non-core business entity, according to company officials. Furthermore, Praveen Someshwar, MD & CEO of Diageo India, told CNBC-TV18 that “RCB is an exciting business, but it is non-core for Diageo”. Additionally, after RCB finally won their maiden IPL title in 2025, Diageo perhaps believes it’s the perfect time to cash in on the franchise’s success.
Moreover, the timing appears strategic as IPL franchise valuations have reached record highs in recent years. However, Diageo has refused to comment on market speculation regarding the sale.
RCB’s Record-Breaking Valuation
According to media reports, Diageo is seeking approximately $2 billion (INR 17,762 crore) for RCB. This would make RCB one of the most expensive sports franchises globally. Additionally, former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi suggested the valuation could reach $2.5 billion if the sale happens next year.
However, RCB’s actual brand value according to Houlihan Lokey’s 2025 IPL Brand Valuation Study is $269 million. Moreover, this makes RCB the most valuable IPL franchise, ahead of Mumbai Indians ($242 million) and Chennai Super Kings ($235 million). Furthermore, RCB’s brand value increased by 18.5% in 2025 after their title win.
RCB is on sale at a valuation of around 2 billion, ₹16,600 crore in indian rupees for cricket franchise when you’re truly massive, you end up competing with football clubs. That’s RCB for you 🔥 pic.twitter.com/h3kNFx4of9
— Kevin (@imkevin149) September 30, 2025
Virat Kohli’s Massive Net Worth and Value to RCB
Virat Kohli, the face of RCB since 2008, has an estimated net worth of ₹1,050 crore as of 2025. Additionally, his wealth comes from multiple sources including cricket contracts, brand endorsements, and business ventures.
Kohli’s Cricket Earnings
From cricket, Kohli earns ₹7 crore annually from BCCI under his Grade A+ contract. Furthermore, his match fees include ₹15 lakh per Test, ₹6 lakh per ODI, and ₹3 lakh per T20I. Additionally, his IPL contract with RCB is worth ₹21 crore from 2025-27, totaling ₹63 crore over three years.
Brand Endorsements and Business Empire
Kohli charges between ₹7.5 crore to ₹10 crore per endorsement deal. Moreover, he earns over ₹200 crore annually from brand partnerships. Furthermore, his endorsement portfolio includes major brands like MRF Tyres, Myntra, Audi, and Blue Tribe Foods.
Additionally, Kohli has built a successful business empire through his “One8” lifestyle brand. Moreover, he owns stakes in fashion brand Wrogn and co-owns the One Commune restaurant chain. Furthermore, he has invested in FC Goa football team and Team Blue Rising powerboat racing.
Kohli’s Brand Value in 2025
According to Kroll’s Celebrity Brand Valuation Report, Kohli remains India’s most valuable celebrity with a brand value of $231.1 million (INR 2,049 crore). Furthermore, he has maintained this top position for most of the past decade, even outshining Bollywood stars. Additionally, his 387 million social media followers make him the most-followed Indian on Instagram.
RCB’s Complete IPL Journey: 18 Seasons of Ups and Downs
RCB has participated in all 18 IPL seasons from 2008 to 2025, with varying degrees of success. Moreover, their journey has been filled with heartbreak, hope, and finally triumph in 2025.
RCB started poorly in 2008, finishing 7th with only 4 wins in 14 matches. However, they bounced back strongly in 2009, reaching their first final under Anil Kumble’s captaincy but lost to Deccan Chargers. Furthermore, in 2011, they reached another final with Chris Gayle’s explosive batting but lost to Chennai Super Kings.
The 2015 season saw RCB finish 3rd, with Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers forming a deadly partnership. Moreover, 2016 became legendary as Kohli scored a record 973 runs in a single season. However, despite this individual brilliance, RCB lost another final to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
RCB went through difficult periods between 2017-2019, finishing in bottom positions. Furthermore, they recorded both the highest IPL team score (263/5 in 2013) and lowest score (49 all-out in 2017). Additionally, leadership changes and team balance issues affected their performance during these years.
Under new leadership, RCB showed improvement from 2022 onwards. Moreover, the 2024 season was remarkable as they won 6 consecutive matches after losing 7 of their first 8 games. Furthermore, Virat Kohli won the Orange Cap with 741 runs in 2024.
Finally, in 2025, RCB achieved their long-awaited dream by defeating Punjab Kings in the final. Additionally, this victory ended their 18-year title drought and sparked massive celebrations.
Across 18 seasons, RCB has played 256 matches with 121 wins and 128 losses, giving them a win percentage of 47.26%. Furthermore, they reached the finals four times (2009, 2011, 2016, and 2025) and won once. Additionally, they made the playoffs on nine occasions throughout their IPL journey.
RCB’s Brand Value Success in 2025
RCB’s title win in 2025 significantly boosted their commercial value. Moreover, they became the most valuable IPL franchise with a brand value of $269 million. Furthermore, their success extended beyond cricket through tech partnerships, grassroots initiatives, and digital marketing.
Additionally, RCB topped all teams in social media engagement with over 21 million Instagram followers. Moreover, their viewership numbers reached record highs, with the 2025 final generating 578 million+ views.
If completed at the reported $2 billion valuation, this would become the largest IPL franchise sale in history. Furthermore, it would establish new benchmarks for all IPL team valuations. Additionally, the sale demonstrates the growing global appeal and commercial value of IPL franchises.
Moreover, Adar Poonawalla’s interest brings serious financial backing, given his estimated net worth of $16.3 billion. Furthermore, his successful business track record, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic with vaccine manufacturing, shows his capability to grow valuable enterprises.
The potential RCB sale represents a turning point in IPL’s commercial evolution. Additionally, with negotiations ongoing and Poonawalla confirming his interest “at the right valuation,” cricket fans worldwide are watching closely to see if this record-breaking deal will materialize before IPL 2026.
