IPL 2026: Two Karnataka billionaires shown interest in buying RCB

IPL 2026: There is significant interest from prominent Kannadiga billionaires to potentially acquire the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise, which is currently owned by Diageo (through its subsidiary, United Spirits Ltd.) and is officially up for sale. IPL 2026: Two Karnataka billionaires shown interest in buying RCB.

The names of two Bengaluru-based billionaires, both Kannadigas, have emerged as strong potential bidders:

1. Nikhil Kamath: Co-founder of the discount brokerage platform Zerodha.

2. Ranjan Pai: Chairman of the Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG).

Reports suggest that a consortium involving these two, and possibly Adar Poonawalla (CEO of Serum Institute of India), might be exploring a joint bid for the franchise, which is valued at well over a billion dollars.

While the bidding process is expected to include major national and international business houses (such as the Adani Group, JSW Group, and US-based private equity firms), analysts believe a local connection is a crucial advantage. A Kannadiga owner or consortium would:

Connect with the Fan base: Directly resonate with the passionate local support of the RCB team.

Local Buy-in: Ensure strong support from the state’s political and social establishment.

The current owner, Diageo, has initiated a “strategic review” of the investment and expects the sale process for both the men’s IPL and women’s WPL teams to conclude by March 31, 2026.

Adar Poonawalla, who is considered one of Nikhil Kamath’s close associates, is also likely to bid for the RCB franchise. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that Nikhil-Ranjan Pai, along with the CEO of Serum Institute of India, will join hands to buy the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise.

On the other hand, Parth Jindal, the co-owner of the Delhi Capitals franchise, is also eyeing RCB. It has been learned that his JSW Group will bid for the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise.

On the other hand, the Adani Group is also planning to buy the RCB franchise and enter the Indian Premier League. Thus, there will be competition in the bidding from the Adani Group.

Apart from these businessmen, Devyani International Group has also shown interest in buying the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise. It is also reported that an American private investment company has also held talks with Diageo Company to buy the RCB franchise.

Interested in buying RCB Franchise:

JSW Group (Parth Jindal)

Adani Group (Gautam Adani)

Poonawala Group (Aadhaar Poonawala)

Nikhil Kamath (Zerodha Company)

Ranjan Pai (Manipal Group)

Devayani International Group (Ravikant Jaipuria)

American private investment company

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