Adar Poonawalla to Make 'Strong and Competitive' Bid for RCB Ownership as Diageo Eyes Exit

In a significant development that could reshape the ownership landscape of the Indian Premier League, billionaire industrialist Adar Poonawalla has publicly declared his intention to acquire Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), one of the most iconic franchises in T20 cricket.

The Announcement

Poonawalla, the 45-year-old CEO of the Serum Institute of India and chairman of Poonawalla Fincorp, took to X on Thursday to make his intentions clear.

"Over the next few months, will be putting in a strong and competitive bid for RCB, one of the best teams in the IPL."

This announcement comes after Poonawalla had previously hinted at his interest in October last year, stating that "at the right price, RCB is a great team."

Who is Adar Poonawalla?

Adar Poonawalla heads the Serum Institute of India, a biotechnology and pharmaceuticals powerhouse that holds the distinction of being the world's largest manufacturer of vaccines by volume. His business acumen and substantial financial resources position him as a formidable potential buyer for the Bengaluru-based franchise.

Diageo's Strategic Exit

The timing of Poonawalla's announcement aligns with Diageo's ongoing strategic review of its investment in RCB. The multinational alcoholic beverage company, which currently owns the franchise through Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), filed with India's Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in November last year indicating their intent to divest.

Timeline for Sale

The strategic review is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026, coinciding with the end of India's financial year. This timeline suggests that any ownership transition could potentially occur before or during the next IPL season.

RCB's Rich History and Recent Success

A Premium Franchise from Day One

RCB has always been among the IPL's crown jewels. When the tournament launched in 2008, RCB was the second most expensive franchise, purchased for USD 111.6 million. The team's passionate fanbase, known as the "12th Man Army," has made it one of the most commercially valuable properties in Indian cricket.

The 2025 Breakthrough

After years of near-misses and heartbreaking defeats, the RCB men's team finally captured their maiden IPL title in 2025, defeating Punjab Kings in the final. This historic victory ended a long drought and elevated the franchise's stature even further.

Women's Team Excellence

The RCB women's team has also demonstrated remarkable success, winning the Women's Premier League (WPL) title in 2024. Currently, the team sits atop the points table in the ongoing 2026 WPL season, showcasing the franchise's commitment to excellence across both men's and women's cricket.

Challenges Ahead: The Chinnaswamy Stadium Question

Despite the on-field success, there remains uncertainty regarding RCB's home venue for IPL 2026. The iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is not yet confirmed as the team's home ground following the tragic stampede outside the venue that claimed 11 lives during RCB's victory celebrations in June 2025.

This venue uncertainty adds another layer of complexity to any potential ownership transition and will be a factor that prospective buyers like Poonawalla will need to navigate.

What This Means for RCB's Future

Potential for Fresh Investment

Should Poonawalla's bid succeed, RCB could benefit from fresh capital injection and new strategic direction. The Poonawalla Group's track record of building world-class enterprises suggests the franchise could see significant investment in infrastructure, player development, and fan engagement.

Maintaining the Legacy

Any new ownership will inherit not just a cricket team, but a cultural phenomenon. RCB's passionate fanbase and the emotional connection they share with the franchise will be crucial elements that must be preserved and nurtured.

The Road Ahead

With the strategic review deadline set for March 2026, the coming months will be crucial in determining RCB's ownership future. Poonawalla's public declaration of interest suggests a competitive bidding process may unfold, potentially driving up the franchise's valuation significantly from its 2008 purchase price.

As the defending IPL champions prepare to defend their title, the business side of the franchise promises to be equally eventful. Cricket fans and industry observers alike will be watching closely as this ownership saga develops.