Bengaluru, India – Following their historic maiden IPL win in 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) found themselves at the center of fresh speculation regarding the potential sale of franchise stakes. However, the team’s owners, Diageo India, have swiftly moved to address these rumors, categorically denying any ongoing discussions about divesting their ownership.
Rumors Surfaced After Maiden IPL Title
Just days after Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their first-ever Indian Premier League title on June 3, 2025, reports began circulating in various media outlets suggesting that Diageo Plc, through its Indian subsidiary United Spirits Ltd., was exploring options to sell part or all of its stake in the successful franchise. These reports, notably one by Bloomberg, hinted at Diageo seeking a valuation of up to $2 billion for the team.
Diageo’s Official Stance: “Purely Speculative”
In response to queries from the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and its Surveillance Department, Diageo India issued an official clarification on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Mital Sanghvi, the company secretary, stated, “The company would like to clarify that the aforesaid media reports are speculative in nature and it is not pursuing any such discussion. This is for your information and records.”
This firm denial aims to quell the widespread speculation that had also led to a notable uptick in the shares of United Spirits.
The Context: A Historic Win and Unfortunate Incident
RCB’s IPL 2025 victory was a momentous occasion for the franchise and its vast fanbase, ending a long wait for the coveted trophy since the league’s inception in 2008. The team defeated Punjab Kings in the final, marking a significant milestone.
However, the celebratory mood was tragically marred by an incident on June 4, where a large gathering for a victory parade in Bengaluru turned chaotic, resulting in a stampede that led to 11 fatalities and numerous injuries. While the ownership’s statement directly addresses the sale rumors, some industry observers had speculated whether the unfortunate incident might have added pressure on Diageo regarding reputational risks.
Valuation and Future Outlook
Despite Diageo’s denial, the discussions around RCB’s potential valuation have brought the financial strength of IPL franchises into focus. Reports suggested a valuation of around $2 billion for RCB, a figure that some market experts consider ambitious while others, like IPL architect Lalit Modi, believe is realistic given the league’s booming popularity and RCB’s strong brand and fan base.
For now, Diageo’s official communication indicates a commitment to their ownership of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, putting to rest, at least publicly, the rumors of a stake sale in the immediate aftermath of their historic IPL 2025 triumph.