The IPL 2026 season could look very different for one of the league’s most beloved franchises — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Reports suggest that the team might soon be under new ownership, raising one big question on every fan’s mind: will Virat Kohli still don the red and gold if that happens?
Rumours of a Sale Gain Steam
It all started with a social media post by former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi, who hinted that RCB could be put up for sale. Modi claimed that United Spirits Ltd. (USL), the Diageo-owned company that currently runs the franchise, might be looking to offload it. He even suggested that Citi could oversee the auction and predicted that RCB’s sale would set a new record valuation in the IPL — potentially crossing $2 billion.
The post quickly set the cricket world buzzing. While neither Diageo nor USL has confirmed any plans, the speculation has only grown stronger.
What’s Confirmed (and What’s Not)
Here’s what we actually know:
- Current status: RCB is still owned by United Spirits Ltd. (USL).
- Company response: USL has declined to comment on the rumours, calling them “speculative.”
- Market reaction: USL’s stock price jumped slightly after the buzz — a sign investors believe a sale could be real.
And here’s what’s still up in the air:
- Adar Poonawalla’s involvement: Multiple reports suggest the Serum Institute CEO is the leading contender to buy the team. But there’s no official confirmation from either side.
- Valuation details: The estimated price tag is above $2 billion, but no formal figures are public.
- Citi’s role: Mentioned only in Modi’s post — there’s been no announcement about any advisory mandate.
Why a Sale Might Happen
There’s reason to believe these rumours might hold weight. Earlier this year, Bloomberg reported that Diageo was considering selling RCB as part of a larger restructuring plan. With tightening advertising regulations around alcohol and sports in India — and Diageo’s push to streamline its portfolio — selling the franchise could make financial sense.
Even though USL pushed back against those reports, the strategic logic remains: if the right offer comes in, Diageo might cash out.
What a New Owner Could Mean for Kohli and the Fans
The biggest question, of course, is about Virat Kohli. Would he still represent RCB under new owners? All signs point to yes. Kohli’s loyalty to the franchise runs deep — he’s been the face of RCB since 2008 — and insiders believe a change in ownership wouldn’t change that.
But new ownership could mean a lot of exciting changes for fans. Think revamped branding, major global partnerships, improved infrastructure, and more aggressive strategies to chase that elusive IPL title again. It could also mean a fresh management approach, possibly reshaping the team’s identity for a new era.
Catch every update on Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Live Cricket Action—only on The Cricket Scores!
