The Indian Premier League has grown into one of the world’s most valuable sporting tournaments, blending entertainment, fierce competition and massive commercial power. Its global fanbase, rising sponsorships and ever-expanding brand value make ownership of an IPL team both prestigious and financially attractive, setting the stage for significant movement ahead of the 2026 season.
Reports now indicate that newly crowned 2025 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are preparing for a change in ownership and suggestions from Harsha Goenka hint that Rajasthan Royals are also exploring a sale.
His post on X broadly claimed that two franchises are on the market, with several potential buyers from major Indian cities and even the US showing interest.
Harsh Goenka tweeted, “I hear, not one, but two IPL teams are now up for sale- RCB and RR. It seems clear that people want to cash in the rich valuations today. So two teams for sale and 4/5 possible buyers! Who will be the successful buyers- will it be from Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru or USA?”
https://x.com/hvgoenka/status/1994055287712674098
Rajasthan Royals are currently controlled by Royals Sports Group which holds a majority stake, while investors such as Lachlan Murdoch and RedBird Capital Partners remain key minority holders. Meanwhile, Diageo officially confirmed in November that it had begun the process of selling RCB, following early hints shared online by Adar Poonawalla, whose family possesses substantial wealth.
Diageo and USL disclosed the sale under regulatory requirements and indicated that the process is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026. Reports suggest that a consortium including Nikhil Kamath, Ranjan Pai and Adar Poonawalla may be preparing a bid, each bringing significant financial strength. RCB, valued at just over a billion dollars in 2022 before their title win, is likely to command an even higher price in the current market.
Who do you think will be the new owners of these two franchises?
