In what has come as a shocking development, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) ownership churn is gathering pace. After Adar Poonawalla’s opulent interest in buying a majority stake in the IPL 2025 champions, famous personalities are likely to come to the forefront. Bollywood actors Anushka Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor are reportedly in discussions to buy minority stakes in RCB, as Diageo plans to exit the ownership by March 2026.
There is no official confirmation yet, but as per the Financial Express’ report, it indicates that the actors’ interest is part of a wider consortium-led bid rather than an attempt to take control. Diageo, which owns RCB through United Spirits, informed SEBI late last year that it had initiated a review of its investment, effectively putting one of the IPL’s most valuable teams on the market.
Conflict of interest for Virat Kohli as Anushka Sharma eyes RCB sale
Anushka Sharma is said to be in talks to acquire around a three per cent stake in RCB, a deal valued in the region of INR 400 crore. She currently has no ownership role in the franchise, despite being one of its most visible supporters over the years. If the discussions progress, it would formalize a commercial link between the Kohli family and RCB at a time when Virat Kohli remains the most important factor of RCB’s valuation. However, it would be interesting if the BCCI allow it.
There may be a case of conflict of interest, as back in 2007, the BCCI barred players from buying any stake in an IPL team. With Kohli being synonymous with RCB, he may actually not be able to have any ownership. However, in this case, it could be his wife. Hence, if the reports are true, we may see some technicalities rolled out for the Kohli family.
Prominent actor Ranbir Kapoor, meanwhile, is reportedly exploring a two per cent stake, estimated at INR 300–350 crore. Unlike Sharma, his interest comes from an established track record in sports investments, having already taken an ownership role at ISL side Mumbai City FC. Sources suggest the IPL investment would also involve advertising and brand association rights, positioning the actors as commercial faces of RCB.
How the RCB sale is shaping up
The celebrity interest comes alongside confirmed and prospective bids from some of India’s biggest business names. Serum Institute chief Adar Poonawalla has publicly stated he intends to place a “strong and competitive bid”. Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath and Manipal Group chairman Ranjan Pai are believed to be exploring a joint consortium, while Parth Jindal has also been linked despite his involvement with Delhi Capitals.
RCB’s valuation is understood to be close to $2 billion, though that figure remains fluid. While the franchise’s brand value is the highest in the IPL, potential buyers are also factoring in the long-term impact of Kohli’s eventual retirement. His presence has been the commercial backbone of RCB since 2008, and any transition away from that era carries risk.
Cricket
ICC replaces Bangladesh with Scotland in T20 World Cup after refusal to travel to India
