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Adar Poonawalla Announces Plan to Bid for RCB Ownership

Cricket Gully | January 23, 2026 12:40 AM CST

Billionaire businessman Adar Poonawalla has created major buzz in the cricket and business world after confirming his interest in buying the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Poonawalla who serves as Serum Institute of India CEO and runs the largest vaccine manufacturer globally has publicly declared his intention to become an IPL team owner.

His statement has increased speculation about a possible ownership change for RCB. Poonawalla's comment about ownership stake selling combined with existing reports about current owners considering stake sales created a situation where RCB ownership discussions received additional attention.

Poonawalla shared on his X account that he plans to make a “strong and competitive” bid for the defending champions. He announced his bidding plans for RCB through his Instagram account to his 1.3 million followers by stating that he will make a BIG and STRONG bid for RCB, which he considers one of the top teams in IPL during upcoming months without revealing any bidding specifics.

Poonawalla’s Growing Interest in Consumer-facing Brands

Poonawalla now wants to invest in RCB after he recently decided to expand his business activities beyond the pharmaceutical sector. He recently acquired a significant stake in Dharma Productions, which filmmaker Karan Johar leads. The investment proved his interest in investing inside India in major consumer businesses that have widespread popularity.

His interest in Royal Challengers Bengaluru suggests sports could be his next big step. IPL teams offer brand loyalty, sponsorship revenue, global reach and long-term financial growth, making them attractive assets beyond the cricket field. The investment presents an opportunity for Poonawalla to boost his business activities through an acquisition.

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Possible Ownership Change at Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Talk about a possible sale of RCB has been floating around for more than a year. United Spirits which controls the team belongs to Diageo, a global spirits company. Media reports claim Diageo has been considering a partial or full exit and may be looking for a valuation close to $2 billion (around ₹17,500 crore).

If a deal happens at that valuation, it would be one of the biggest franchise sales in sports history, not just in cricket. The sale process appears to be underway because Citi has been selected as the transaction advisor according to reports. Many investors want to acquire Diageo yet Poonawalla now stands as the main contender because Diageo hasn't announced the sale yet.

RCB remains one of the most popular IPL teams. The franchise has strong brand value and a loyal fan base in Bengaluru and around the world. RCB has constructed a major profile through its roster of stars who include Virat Kohli, Smriti Mandhana, Phil Salt, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, which enhances both the teams cultural impact and its commercial value.

The team’s recent championship win has only increased its value and visibility. RCB has developed into a valuable business asset because more sponsors join, the team sells more merchandise, and the team achieves greater media exposure. Analysts report that if the sale price approaches $2 billion, it will establish new IPL franchise valuations while demonstrating the league operates as one of the fastest expanding sports businesses worldwide.

IPL franchises now qualify as permanent business assets due to their increasing digital viewership and their teams achieving profitability. Poonawalla buying RCB would initiate a new period for both him and the franchise.