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RCB Sale Nears $2B Mark: EQT vs. Pai Consortium
19 Mar
Summary
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru ownership to change hands in 2025.
- Two bidders, EQT and a Pai-led consortium, are vying for RCB.
- The team's valuation has reached a critical $2 billion benchmark.
The operational control of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is set to transfer to new ownership in 2025, with a critical bid deadline approaching on March 31. The current owner, Diageo, has seen the race for the IPL franchise narrow to two key contenders.
Swedish private equity firm EQT has submitted a significant bid, competing against a consortium involving Ranjan Pai, US firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, and Singaporean company Temasek. Both parties are reportedly prepared to meet the $2 billion valuation set by Diageo.
This $2 billion valuation appears to be a strict threshold, as earlier interested parties, including the Glazer family and Adar Poonawalla, reportedly withdrew after offering a maximum of $1.8 billion. The exclusivity phase will commence if both final bidders meet the valuation.
The sale process is expected to extend into the latter half of 2026, following the March 31 deadline and potential exclusivity negotiations.
