A major shift could soon take place in the Indian Premier League’s ownership landscape, as reports suggest that Indian billionaire Gautam Adani is interested in acquiring the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise. The news has generated massive buzz across both cricket and business circles, as the Adani Group’s entry into IPL ownership would mark one of the biggest corporate moves in Indian sports in recent years.
According to multiple developments within the sports and business sectors, RCB’s current parent company, Diageo India, is exploring the possibility of selling its stake in the franchise. The valuation of the team is estimated to be around two billion dollars, making it one of the most expensive assets in Indian cricket. Diageo has reportedly initiated talks with interested parties and engaged financial advisors to oversee the sale process. Among the major contenders being discussed, the Adani Group stands out as the most high-profile potential buyer.
The Adani Group has already made its mark in sports through various ventures. It owns the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and has shown consistent interest in expanding its sports portfolio across multiple formats and leagues. Acquiring a franchise like RCB would not only give the group a strong foothold in the men’s IPL but also strengthen its presence in the global sports business ecosystem. Given RCB’s massive fan following, rich brand value, and established market reach, it would be a strategically attractive acquisition for any corporate group.
RCB, despite being one of the most followed IPL teams, has long been chasing its maiden title. Over the years, the franchise has built its identity around marquee players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle. The team’s strong branding, loyal fan base, and global recognition have made it a cultural phenomenon, transcending the boundaries of cricket. This deep-rooted identity makes the potential change of ownership both exciting and sensitive. For the Adani Group, preserving RCB’s spirit while bringing in fresh vision and management will be crucial.
If Adani succeeds in acquiring the franchise, it would signify a major business milestone and further highlight the growing intersection of sports and corporate India. With IPL valuations soaring and global investors eyeing Indian cricket, such an acquisition would reaffirm the league’s stature as one of the world’s most valuable sporting ecosystems. The move would also intensify competition among major industrial groups already involved in cricket, such as the Ambanis through the Mumbai Indians and the Jindal Group through the Delhi Capitals.
However, the process will not be without challenges. Acquiring an IPL team involves navigating through BCCI’s regulatory approvals, financial disclosures, and compliance requirements. The new owner would also need to align with the league’s broader objectives and maintain the connection that RCB has built with Bengaluru and its fans over the years.
For RCB supporters, the potential sale is a moment of uncertainty but also one of hope. New ownership could bring renewed energy, investment, and a modernized approach to cricket operations. For the Adani Group, it represents an opportunity to cement its place as a key player in the Indian sporting industry.
If finalized, this could become one of the biggest franchise deals in IPL history — a move that might redefine how business conglomerates engage with cricket and shape the next era of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) .