The ownership story surrounding Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has entered a serious phase. Swedish private equity firm EQT Group is preparing a binding bid to purchase the franchise, and the offer could value the sports property between $2 billion and $2.1 billion, making it one of the rarest assets.
RCB will enter the Indian Premier League 2026 season as defending champions for the first time. They will open their new campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28. The franchise will then face the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 5 before playing away games in Guwahati and Mumbai.
United Spirits Move Closer To Selling Royal Challengers Bengaluru Stake
United Spirits Limited, the Indian division of global liquor company Diageo, currently owns the franchise. The parent company put its stake in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited up for sale last November. The entity controls both the men’s team and the women’s side in their respective leagues.
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The company described the franchise as a strategic asset but classified it as non-core to its primary beverage business. The entire transaction is expected to conclude by March 31, officially handing over control soon.
Following the initial non-binding offers last month, the owners shortlisted around ten serious bidders for the next stage. Adar Poonawalla from the Serum Institute of India and Ranjan Pai of the Manipal Group advanced in the process. They join EQT and Lancer Capital in the high-value ownership race.
EQT Group Prepare Binding Bid for Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Swedish private equity firm EQT Group have entered the race. The European entity are reportedly preparing a binding bid to acquire the team. Financial experts suggest the offer could value the popular Bengaluru franchise between $2 billion and $2.1 billion.
If the valuation materializes, it would exceed previous offers. Avram Glazer, representing Lancer Capital, has already submitted a non-binding bid of roughly $1.8 billion. All interested parties are expected to submit their final binding bids before the March 16 deadline.
Foreign investors no longer consider these franchises mere vanity projects for celebrities. They treat them as premium sports businesses offering predictable revenues, deep audience loyalty, and steady sponsorship growth in a highly scalable market.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Strengthen Their Commercial Value After Historic Title
The franchise has maintained its status as a top commercial brand since the league started in 2008. The team’s overall value has nearly doubled. When the cricket board expanded the tournament in 2021, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) cost $914 million, while Gujarat Titans (GT) sold for $750 million.
The team’s appeal grew significantly after conquering their long title drought last year. The side, led by first-time captain Rajat Patidar, won its maiden championship in 2025. They secured nine victories in the league stage before defeating the Punjab Kings in both Qualifier 1 and the grand final.
The players will focus on becoming only the third team in league history to successfully defend their title, while the management finalize this historic corporate takeover behind the scenes.
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