Global liquor giant Diageo India has formally denied recent media reports suggesting that it is preparing to sell its ownership stake in the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The company issued a clarification to the stock exchanges on Tuesday, stating that such reports are speculative in nature and that no definitive decision has been taken regarding the future of the franchise.
The clarification came amid growing buzz in business and sports media that Diageo is actively exploring a sale of the RCB team, possibly to private equity firms or Indian conglomerates. These reports gained traction over the past week following RCB’s strong performance in the IPL 2025 season, which ended in a high-profile final appearance. The speculation intensified further when analysts noted that the franchise’s valuation had soared significantly, potentially making it a ripe asset for monetisation.
In its statement to the stock exchanges, Diageo India said: “We would like to inform the stock exchanges that the recent media articles regarding the sale of Royal Challengers Bengaluru are speculative in nature. As a responsible company, we continuously evaluate and review strategic opportunities to enhance shareholder value. However, no definitive decision has been made in this regard.”
The clarification was intended to calm investors and prevent unwarranted market speculation. Diageo, which owns RCB through its Indian subsidiary United Spirits Limited, has held controlling interest in the franchise for over a decade. The brand has played a pivotal role in building RCB’s global identity, transforming it into one of the most followed and commercially successful teams in the IPL, despite its long-standing title drought.
Market experts believe that RCB is among the most valuable IPL franchises, thanks to its massive fan base, star power led by players like Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, and strong brand associations. With the IPL’s media rights and commercial revenues soaring year after year, franchises like RCB are now being seen as high-yielding sports assets, drawing interest from both global investors and Indian corporate houses.
Still, Diageo’s measured response indicates that while it may consider strategic options in the future, no formal discussions or transactions are currently in progress. Analysts point out that companies often keep such possibilities open as part of routine corporate governance, but until a concrete move is made, such speculation can affect market sentiment unnecessarily.
The timing of the clarification is also important. With IPL 2025 having just concluded and RCB enjoying renewed popularity following a dramatic run to the final, Diageo would want to retain control of the narrative, especially with the spotlight on the team’s commercial potential.
For now, fans of RCB can rest assured that their beloved franchise is not on the brink of being sold—at least not yet. The ownership remains unchanged, and Diageo India has made it clear that any decision regarding the future of the team will be taken with full transparency and in accordance with regulatory norms.
As the franchise prepares for the next season and potentially new leadership on the field, its ownership off the field appears to be firmly intact—despite the rumour mills suggesting otherwise.