The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise, fresh off their long-awaited maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy, is currently the subject of a potential sale, making it a major talking point in Indian cricket. Team owners Diageo India have initiated a formal strategic review of their investment, confirming that the process could result in a sale or ownership change.
Hombale Films linked to RCB sale following maiden IPL Title
This announcement has led to intense media speculation, with Karnataka-based production powerhouse Hombale Films, creators of KGF and Kantara, emerging as a leading potential co-acquirer. The franchise’s valuation has reportedly soared to around ₹17,000 crore (USD 2 billion), placing it among the most valuable teams globally. The official review is expected to provide clarity on the team’s future structure by March 31, 2026.
As per the Hindustan Times, The formal process for a potential change in RCB ownership was confirmed by United Spirits Limited (USL), the Diageo-owned subsidiary that controls the team. This process, termed a strategic review, is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026, ahead of the IPL 2026 season. RCB franchise’s immense popularity, especially after the title win, has caused its valuation to soared to around Rs 17,000 crore, making it an extremely high-value asset.
This high price point means that any deal will likely be structured around investment consortia, private equity, and phased exits. The sale has attracted interest from several high-profile bidders who have been linked to the potential acquisition, including Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, the Adani Group, JSW Group, Serum Institute executive Adar Poonawalla and Devyani International. The ultimate control of the RCB men’s and women’s teams hinges on the outcome of the USL’s review.
IPL 2026: Local identity and proven track record of blockbuster success across India
The report further stated that Hombale Films has emerged as the most-discussed potential buyer, driven by its local identity and proven track record of blockbuster success across India with films like Kantara and KGF. The studio already possesses a genuine commercial lin to the franchise, as it has been RCB’s official digital content partner since April 2023, producing promotional and fan engagement videos.
This partnership has fuelled massive fan-led buzz and speculation regarding a hometown pride takeover. The potential collaboration carries symbolic weight, as both brands represent Karnataka’s modern identity one through cinema, the other through cricket, which could deepen regional loyalty. However, despite multiple media reports of preliminary talks, plausibility is not the same as paperwork. There is no official statement from Homable confirming talks, stake size, or timelines, and no new regulatory filing from USL. The story is currently still a rumour filling in the blanks, and the leap to Hombale have bought RCB is still just that, a leap.
