Adar Poonawalla, Chief Executive Officer of the Serum Institute of India, has confirmed his interest in acquiring the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), stating that he plans to place a “strong and competitive” bid in the coming months. His public confirmation has added momentum to speculation around a potential change in ownership of one of the IPL’s most high-profile teams.
Poonawalla announced his intentions through a post on social media platform X, where he described RCB as “one of the best teams in the IPL” and made it clear that his interest was serious. While he did not share details about the size or structure of the bid, the statement signals his readiness to compete with other potential suitors expected to enter the race.
RCB is currently owned by United Spirits Ltd, which is controlled by global liquor major Diageo. The company has been reviewing its business strategy and has indicated that it may look at divesting non-core assets, including its stake in the IPL franchise. This move has opened the door for a possible sale, drawing interest from prominent industrialists and investment groups.
The timing of the potential sale is significant, as RCB recently won the IPL title, ending a long wait for championship success. The team also enjoys one of the strongest fan bases in the league, driven by consistent on-field performances, star players over the years, and a powerful brand presence. These factors have helped RCB emerge as one of the most valuable franchises in the IPL ecosystem.
If successful, the acquisition would mark Poonawalla’s entry into elite sports ownership and reflect the growing trend of Indian corporate leaders investing in high-profile sporting assets. The bidding process is expected to unfold over the next few months, with clarity likely before the next IPL season, as stakeholders closely watch how the contest for RCB’s ownership develops.
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