Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral
The Indian Premier League could be on the verge of a seismic shift as reports indicate that acclaimed Kannada powerhouse Hombale Films is exploring the possibility of acquiring Royal Challengers Bengaluru from current owner Diageo India. The development has created a surge of excitement, particularly in Karnataka, where both RCB and Hombale command immense loyalty and cultural influence. Early conversations between the two parties have reportedly taken place, although neither side has issued an official confirmation.
Hombale Films, known for redefining Indian cinema with massive hits like K.G.F., Kantara, and Salaar, is believed to be looking at long-term diversification, and a team with RCB’s stature offers a significant entry point into elite sports ownership. The connection between the two brands is not new; Hombale has been associated with RCB since April 2023 as their official digital partner, crafting cinematic promos, campaigns, and high-impact visual storytelling that strengthened the team’s cultural footprint. With RCB securing their maiden IPL trophy in 2025, their brand valuation has soared to an estimated USD 2 billion, placing them among the most valuable cricket franchises globally and attracting interest from several major players, including Nikhil Kamath, Adani Group, JSW Group, Adar Poonawalla, and Devyani International.
Despite multiple suitors, the potential Hombale–RCB partnership stands out due to its deep-rooted regional synergy. For Karnataka, this would symbolize the union of two icons: a beloved cricket team and a studio that brought Kannada cinema to national and international recognition. Such a collaboration could reshape fan engagement, build stronger cultural identity, and create a narrative that transcends sport. With Kannada cinema at its peak and RCB fresh off a historic title win, the timing feels particularly significant.
As the franchise prepares for IPL 2026, RCB has retained a solid core under new full-time captain Rajat Patidar. The retained roster includes stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, ensuring continuity and strength heading into the mega auction. A potential change of ownership, combined with a strong sporting foundation, could propel RCB into an exciting new era defined by cultural pride, cinematic storytelling, and cricketing ambition. The coming months may determine whether this unprecedented partnership becomes a reality, but the buzz it has already generated reveals how powerful such a union could be.
