RCB’s Business Boom: Titles, Fans and Adar Poonawalla’s Billion-Dollar Interest

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s transformation from a flashy underachiever to Indian Premier League champions has turned it into a prized asset. With Diageo exploring a strategic exit, billionaire Adar Poonawalla has emerged as a serious contender. On January 22, 2026, Adar Poonawalla confirmed he would submit a “strong and competitive” bid for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Diageo is reportedly seeking a valuation close to $2 billion after RCB became the IPL’s most valuable franchise in 2025.  

How has RCB’s value surged since 2008? 

RCB was acquired by Vijay Mallya in 2008 for $111.6 million. Its maiden IPL title in 2025 dramatically boosted commercial appeal, with Houlihan Lokey’s IPL Valuation Study noting an 18.5 percent jump in brand value post-championship.  

What changed after Vijay Mallya’s exit? 

After Diageo took control of United Spirits in 2015, Mallya exited in 2016. RCB shifted from personality-driven ownership to professional corporate management under United Spirits, with Prathamesh Mishra now chairing Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd. 

Which cricket legends shaped RCB’s identity? 

Virat Kohli, associated with RCB since 2008, is the IPL’s highest run-scorer. Chris Gayle’s 175 in 2013 remains the league’s highest individual score. AB de Villiers, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Jacques Kallis and Glenn Maxwell further built RCB’s legacy.  

How big is RCB’s fan and digital footprint? 

RCB has 22 million Instagram followers, the second-highest in the IPL. It also boasts 5.3 million YouTube subscribers and leads the league with 7.5 million WhatsApp followers, underlining its unmatched digital engagement. 

What was RCB’s on-field record before the 2025 title? 

Before lifting the trophy, RCB finished runners-up in 2009, 2011 and 2016. Despite qualifying for playoffs in ten of eighteen seasons, inconsistency and frequent coaching changes plagued the franchise until stability emerged in 2025 under captain Rajat Patidar.  

What happened during the 2025 Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede? 

Tragedy struck on June 4, 2025, when a crowd crush outside Chinnaswamy Stadium killed 11 people and injured over 50 during title celebrations. Around 300,000 fans reportedly gathered after a planned victory parade was cancelled at short notice.  

How did the state government respond to the incident? 

The Karnataka government filed an FIR against RCB, DNA Entertainment and the KSCA. A judicial commission later declared the stadium unsafe for large-scale events, leading to its temporary suspension and intensifying scrutiny of event management practices.  

Will RCB play home games at Chinnaswamy in IPL 2026? 

Although the state government granted conditional approval on January 17, 2026, RCB has not confirmed its venue. Alternatives under consideration include DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and Shaheed Veer Narayan Stadium in Raipur. 

Who else is interested in buying RCB? 

Apart from Poonawalla, potential bidders include JSW Group’s Parth Jindal, Adani Group, Hombale Films and two US private equity firms. Diageo’s strategic review, launched in November 2025, is expected to conclude by March 31, 2026.  

Will RCB’s name or brand change under new ownership? 

A rebrand appears unlikely. With brand equity valued in excess of $1 billion, any new owner would likely retain the name, logo and identity that make RCB one of the IPL’s strongest commercial properties.  

(With inputs from yMedia)