The battle for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ownership just got more interesting. The Hundred franchise Welsh Fire has officially thrown its hat into the ring, joining several high-profile bidders competing to acquire one of the IPL’s most valuable franchises before the 2026 season.
Table of Contents
RCB Sale: Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Current Owner | Diageo (Spirits Company) |
| Estimated Valuation | $2 billion (₹17,775 crore) |
| Sale Deadline | March 31, 2026 |
| Key Star Player | Virat Kohli |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Home Ground | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| IPL Championships | 0 (Runners-up: 2009, 2011, 2016) |
Who Are The Contenders?
Welsh Fire & Sanjay Govil
Welsh Fire is owned by Glamorgan Cricket Club and American tech billionaire Sanjay Govil, who jointly hold equal stakes in The Hundred franchise. The partnership believes they possess sufficient funds to complete the acquisition.
Govil is the founder and chairman of Infinite Computer Solutions, a major technology services company, and also leads Zyter, a health technology firm. He also owns the Washington Freedom cricket team in Major League Cricket and recently invested in Welsh Fire, demonstrating his commitment to expanding his cricket portfolio globally.
When asked about the RCB bid, Glamorgan chairman Mark Rhydderch-Roberts stated they are “in the business of owning, operating and developing global cricket franchises” and intend to participate fully in the consolidation of global cricket assets.
The Serum Institute of India Consortium
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, along with Nikhil Kamath (co-founder of Zerodha) and Ranjan Pai (chairman of Manipal Education and Medical Group), were previously reported to be forming a consortium to bid for the franchise. However, Poonawalla has raised concerns about RCB’s lofty valuation.
Hombale Films
The production house behind blockbusters like KGF and Salaar has also expressed interest in entering the IPL ownership space, adding a Bollywood angle to the bidding war.
Why Is RCB So Valuable?
Despite never winning an IPL championship, RCB remains one of the league’s most marketable franchises. Virat Kohli could play a major role in the valuation of the franchise, as the Indian cricket icon has been synonymous with RCB since its inception in 2008.
The franchise boasts:
- Massive fan following across India and globally
- Strong social media presence with millions of followers
- Iconic red and gold branding
- Home matches at the passionate Chinnaswamy Stadium
- Historical association with cricket legends
For cricket fans looking to stay updated on IPL news and franchise developments, check out TechnoSports Cricket Coverage.
The Hundred Connection: A Growing Trend
The involvement of The Hundred franchise owners in IPL bids signals a broader trend of cricket ownership consolidation. Owners of Indian Premier League franchises have been actively acquiring stakes in The Hundred, and now the reverse is happening.
Mumbai Indians recently purchased Oval Invincibles (now MI London), while other IPL owners have invested in Birmingham Phoenix, London Spirit, and Manchester Originals. This cross-pollination of ownership strengthens the global cricket ecosystem and creates synergies between major T20 leagues.
What Happens Next?
With the sale process expected to be complete by March 31, 2026, potential buyers are conducting due diligence and preparing their bids. The winning bidder will take control of both the men’s and women’s franchises, positioning themselves at the heart of Indian cricket’s most lucrative property.
The coming months will reveal whether Welsh Fire and Govil’s American-Welsh partnership can outbid India’s corporate giants, or if homegrown business leaders will retain control of Virat Kohli’s beloved franchise.
Stay tuned to TechnoSports IPL News for the latest updates on the RCB ownership race.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why is Diageo selling Royal Challengers Bengaluru?
Diageo, the multinational spirits company that currently owns RCB, is conducting a strategic review of its investment in the franchise. The company aims to complete this review and the sale process by March 31, 2026. This allows new investors to bring fresh capital and strategic vision to one of the IPL’s most popular teams.
Q2: Can foreign investors buy IPL franchises?
Yes, foreign individuals and entities can invest in IPL franchises. The IPL has seen international investors participate in team ownership since its early years. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) maintains certain regulations regarding ownership structures and operational control to ensure the league’s integrity and Indian cricket interests are protected.
