Houlihan Lokey’s IPL Valuation Study 2025 names RCB the most valuable franchise of the year.
Adar Poonawalla Sparks Speculation Over Possible RCB Acquisition
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, fueled speculation by responding to rumours about buying the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), one of the most popular IPL franchises. CNBC-TV18 reported that Poonawalla has initiated talks with Diageo Plc, the current RCB owners, though it remains unclear if Diageo intends to sell all its shares.
Diageo Plc, which owns United Spirits, is reportedly seeking a valuation of USD 2 billion for RCB. According to the Houlihan Lokey IPL Valuation Study 2025, RCB was the most valuable franchise this year in terms of business worth. Adar Poonawalla’s recent post on X (formerly Twitter) — “At the right valuation, @RCBTweets is a great team” — has ignited social media speculation, hinting at potential interest in the franchise.
At the right valuation, @RCBTweets is a great team…
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) October 1, 2025
Lalit Modi’s reaction
On Tuesday, Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “There have been a lot of rumours about the sale of an @IPL franchise, specifically @RCBTweets — well, in the past they have been denied. But it seems the owners have finally decided to take it off their balance sheet and sell it. I am sure, having won the IPL last season and also with its strong base of fans, and of course the team itself and a great management team — it could be the only team which would be available as a whole as an #IPL franchise.”
There have been a lot of rumour about the sale of an @IPL franchise specifically @RCBTweets – well in the past they have been denied. But it seems the owners have finally decided to take it off their balance sheet and sell it. I am sure having won the IPL last season and also… pic.twitter.com/ecXfU5n5v5
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) September 29, 2025
According to CNBC-TV18, potential buyers are reportedly interested in acquiring the entire stake of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), rather than just a portion of the franchise. Global investment bank Citi has been appointed as the transaction advisor. When approached by CNBC-TV18, a Diageo spokesperson declined to comment, stating, “We don’t comment on market speculation.”
