Royal challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have experienced highs and lows this year and have been captivating the world with the developments that have taken place. Its franchise was seen to win the first Indian Premier League (IPL) title this year after a long trophy-drought.
However, the celebrations were tempered by tragedy when a stampede in Bengaluru killed 11 people and injured many more. Speculation over the team’s future has increased. Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi claims that Diageo Plc, the current owners, has chosen to sell the franchise.
“It seems the owners have finally decided to take it off their balance sheet and sell it. I am sure having won the IPL last season and also with its strong base of fans and off course the Team itself and a great management team – it could be the only Team which would be available as a whole as an ipl franchise,” wrote Modi on X.
“One of the Big Global funds or a Sovereign Fund would desperately like to have them as part of their investment strategy and India strategy. There can be no better investment opportunity I could think of then this one. Good luck to whoever can get their hands on to it. It definitely will set a new record valuation which will just go to show that IPL is the not only the fastest growing Global Sporting league but also the most valuable. That new price that #rcb sets will become the new floor price for all teams.”
Lalit Modi
Reports have previously surfaced about RCB being on the market, with media outlets claiming that Diageo Plc had entered talks with potential bidders. Now that Modi has confirmed the owners’ decision to sell, the IPL world eagerly awaits to see who will take over one of its most popular and successful franchises.
If the deal goes through, it could significantly impact the IPL, potentially setting a new benchmark in franchise pricing and strengthening the league’s status as a global sporting force.
