Cricket
The ownership race for Royal Challengers Bengaluru has officially entered its final stage, with the deal expected to be completed before the start of IPL 2026
RCB is being valued at nearly $2 billion (around ₹17,000 crore), placing it among the most valuable franchises not just in cricket, but in global sports leagues
After several high-profile bidders pulled out, the competition has now narrowed down to EQT Group and a consortium led by Ranjan Pai.
EQT, a global private equity giant, has reportedly submitted a massive bid, while the Ranjan Pai-led group is backed by powerful investors like KKR and Temasek
Current owners Diageo are looking to sell as part of a strategic shift, as they consider the IPL franchise a non-core asset compared to their primary business focus
RCB’s recent IPL triumph and the unmatched brand value of Virat Kohli have played a huge role in pushing the franchise’s valuation to record levels