The race for RCB ownership 2026 has intensified as Swedish private equity giant EQT Group emerges as a key contender to acquire the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise. According to a report by NDTV, EQT is preparing a binding offer that could value the IPL team at approximately $2–2.1 billion, surpassing the $1.8 billion non-binding bid previously submitted by Avram Glazer via Lancer Capital. The entry of another global investor has made the sale of RCB one of the most closely watched transactions in cricket.
Multiple Bidders Still in Contention
Following the first round of non-binding offers earlier this year, around nine to ten potential buyers advanced to the next phase of the bidding process. Among the frontrunners competing for RCB ownership 2026 are:
- Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India
- Ranjan Pai, Chairman of Manipal Group
- EQT Group
- Lancer Capital backed by Avram Glazer
Sources suggest that binding bids must be submitted by March 16, with the final stage of negotiations expected shortly afterward. If all goes according to schedule, the transaction could be finalized by March 31, just days before the start of the upcoming IPL season.
Why is RCB Up for Sale?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru is currently controlled by United Spirits Limited, the Indian subsidiary of global beverage giant Diageo. In November 2025, Diageo decided to sell its stake in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL) as part of a strategic review of investments outside its core business operations.
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RCSPL owns the men’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru team in the Indian Premier League, as well as the franchise’s side in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). The sale immediately attracted interest from high-profile business leaders and global investment firms, reflecting the growing commercial value of IPL franchises.
The Commercial Significance of RCB
With the IPL’s expanding global footprint and increasing media and sponsorship revenues, RCB ownership 2026 is widely regarded as one of the most valuable assets in franchise cricket. The sale not only provides an opportunity for new investors to enter the IPL ecosystem but also highlights the league’s growing appeal among international private equity and corporate groups.
The coming weeks are expected to be critical as bidders submit their final proposals and negotiations move