The disclosure was made through a filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on Wednesday, November 5. Diageo termed the move a “strategic review of the investment in Royal Challengers Sports Pvt. Ltd. (RCSPL),” noting that RCSPL’s business encompasses ownership of both the men’s and women’s franchise teams participating in BCCI-organised tournaments.
Praveen Someswar, Managing Director and CEO of USL, explained the rationale behind the sale: “RCSPL has been a valuable and strategic asset for USL. However, it is non-core to our alcohol business. This step reinforces USL’s and Diageo’s commitment to reviewing their India enterprise portfolio to deliver long-term value to stakeholders, while keeping RCSPL’s best interests in mind.”
The sale follows a period of heightened scrutiny after the tragic June 4 stampede outside Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s victory parade, which claimed 11 lives. Industry insiders suggest that Diageo and USL are actively engaging potential buyers, including US-based private investment firms, Adani Group, JSW Group, Adar Poonawalla of the Serum Institute, and Delhi-based entrepreneur Ravi Jaipuria of Devyani International.
The intended sale marks a major transition for the popular IPL and WPL franchise, which has been one of the league’s most high-profile teams. Diageo’s move reflects its strategy to streamline non-core assets while ensuring that RCB’s operations continue under capable ownership. The transfer, if completed as planned by March 2026, will see new ownership take charge ahead of the 2026 IPL season, potentially reshaping team management and commercial strategies.
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