Nikhil Kamath and Ranjan Pai among potential buyers as RCB up for sale ahead of IPL 2026 season: Report

Diageo has officially begun the process to sell Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the reigning IPL champions and one of the most valuable teams, ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Cricbuzz reported earlier this week that RCB has been put up for sale by owners Diageo, and the deadline for the completion of the deal is set for March 2026

Meanwhile, a new report has emerged suggesting who might take over the franchise ahead of the upcoming season. According to Hindustan Times, prominent Bengaluru-based billionaires Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, and Ranjan Pai, head of the Manipal Education and Medical Group, have been named among potential buyers.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Adar Poonawalla of Serum Institute of India is also on the list of potential buyers to take over RCB. As per the report, a consortium including Kamath, Pai, and Adar Poonawalla could be exploring a joint bid. The report adds that the owner would look to benefit from a strong local fanbase of RCB and strengthen ties within Karnataka’s business and political circles.

According to Forbes, Kamath, Pai, and Poonawalla are all billionaires and have the funds to buy RCB. When Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans were inducted into the IPL ahead of the 2022 season, they were bought for over a billion dollars combined, with LSG going for over $900 million alone.

Adani Group and JSW Sports also among potential buyers

Earlier, Cricbuzz reported that the Adani Group, JSW Sports, and Ravi Jaipuria of the Devyani International Group are also interested in buying RCB. The sale of the franchise will also include the RCB women’s team, which participates in the Women’s Premier League and was the champion in WPL 2024.

The RCB or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are yet to issue any formal update on the sale process. However, the owners have confirmed the date for the completion of the deal. The confirmation came directly from Diageo and its Indian subsidiary United Spirits Ltd (USL) in a formal disclosure to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which was accessed by the above-mentioned news outlet.

Click here to read article