RCB Owners Address Sale Rumors After Winning First-Ever IPL Title

Key Highlights

• Diageo India, owner of RCB via United Spirits, dismissed sale rumours as “speculative” in a June 10 BSE filing.
• Rumours valued RCB at up to $2 billion amid portfolio rationalisation; United Spirits confirmed no stake‑sale discussions underway.

Just days after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad to win their first Indian Premier League (IPL) title, rumors circulated that the team was up for sale. Diageo India, a division of the UK-based Diageo Plc, the franchise's owner, has flatly denied these claims.

It was rumored that Diageo was thinking of paying up to $2 billion to sell all or a part of the team through United Spirits Ltd., its Indian subsidiary. Reports also suggested that the company was in early talks with potential advisers.

United Spirits' Company Secretary, Mital Sanghvi, issued a formal statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and its Surveillance Department to end the rumors. The statement stated that the company would like to make it clear that the media reports mentioned above are speculative in nature and that it is not participating in any such conversation.

The 3.3% rise in United Spirits' share price to a five-month high prompted the exchange to seek clarification because Diageo is listed on the BSE. The increase was attributed to investor excitement over the unverified sale news.

Also Read: RCB Clinch Maiden IPL Title in Thrilling 2025 Final Against PBKS

Diageo remains committed to owning RCB

These rumors surfaced at a sensitive time. The Indian Health Ministry is pushing for cricket to stop promoting alcohol and tobacco products. Companies like Diageo have used famous cricket players to promote non-alcoholic products like soda, despite the fact that alcohol advertisements are already illegal in India.

The RCB was recently involved in a controversy after a tragic incident outside Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium, which added to the pressure. On June 4, approximately 2.5 lakh fans gathered to celebrate the team's IPL victory, resulting in a stampede. Sadly, 11 people died and 56 were injured. The incident drew sharp criticism from local officials, raising concerns about crowd control and safety at such events.