Tag: IPL

Sports

United Spirits Denies RCB Stake Sale Talks Amid Market Buzz; Shares Jump Over 3%

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Bengaluru, India – June 11, 2025
Amid widespread speculation around Diageo’s potential stake sale in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), United Spirits Ltd. — a subsidiary of global beverage giant Diageo — has firmly denied any ongoing discussions related to a divestment.

In a formal statement released to the stock exchanges, United Spirits clarified, “We would like to confirm that there are no discussions or decisions at this time regarding the sale of our stake in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), which owns the RCB franchise.”

Despite the rumors, investor sentiment remained bullish. Following the company’s clarification and a strong set of quarterly financial results, shares of United Spirits surged by over 3% in intraday trading on Wednesday. The rally highlights market confidence not only in the company’s core business performance but also in the continued brand value of the RCB franchise.

The company reported better-than-expected earnings for the quarter ended March 2025. Strong volume growth in its premium segment, improved operational efficiency, and favorable input costs contributed to the positive performance. The management also reiterated its focus on portfolio premiumization and digital transformation.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru remains one of the most valuable and popular franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite not having clinched a title yet, RCB boasts a massive fanbase and significant brand equity, further fueled by high-profile players and celebrity ownership associations.

The speculation surrounding a potential stake sale began after unconfirmed reports suggested that Diageo might be considering a strategic reshuffle of its Indian sports and entertainment assets. However, today’s statement puts those rumors to rest — at least for now.

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Karnataka Government Considers Relocating Chinnaswamy Stadium: CM Siddaramaiah

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Bengaluru – June 2025:
In a move that could reshape the sports infrastructure of Karnataka’s capital, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the state government is considering shifting the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to a new location in Bengaluru. The statement has sparked both anticipation and debate among cricket fans, urban planners, and local residents.

Located in the heart of Bengaluru, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is one of India’s most well-known cricket venues. It has hosted countless domestic and international matches and is home to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

However, CM Siddaramaiah cited urban congestion, limited accessibility, and space constraints as key reasons behind the potential relocation.

“We are exploring the feasibility of shifting Chinnaswamy Stadium to a more spacious, accessible location to ease traffic and improve facilities,” said the Chief Minister during a recent press interaction.

The current stadium, while rich in history, is situated in a densely populated part of Bengaluru near Cubbon Park. On match days, traffic congestion, parking issues, and public transport strain have become significant concerns for both authorities and the public.

The state government is reportedly exploring locations on the outskirts of Bengaluru where a modern, world-class sports complex can be developed — complete with better connectivity, parking infrastructure, and multi-sport facilities.

While no official blueprint or timeline has been shared yet, the proposal has already sparked a wave of reactions:

  • Cricket fans have expressed mixed emotions — many nostalgic about the historic venue, others open to the idea of a larger, more modern stadium.
  • Urban development experts have welcomed the move, citing the need to decentralize major public venues.
  • Environmental groups are urging the government to ensure that any development aligns with sustainable urban planning norms.

If approved, the relocation would involve:

  • Identification and acquisition of suitable land
  • Construction of a new stadium adhering to ICC and BCCI guidelines
  • Transition planning for RCB and Karnataka state teams
  • Consideration of the legacy and future use of the existing stadium site

The government is expected to hold consultations with BCCI, KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association), urban planners, and public stakeholders before finalizing any decisions.

As Bengaluru continues to evolve as a global city, this move could represent a transformative moment for its sports infrastructure. Whether the Chinnaswamy Stadium moves or stays, the discussion underscores the balancing act between heritage and modernity in urban India.

TechPulse

JioHotstar Surpasses 200 Million Paid Subscribers

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JioHotstar, India’s leading streaming platform, has achieved a remarkable milestone by crossing 200 million paid subscribers within a short span of its revamped launch. This impressive feat is attributed to the platform’s strategic decision to broadcast multi-language live Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches, drawing record-breaking viewership.

Key Factors Behind the Success

  • Multi-language Live Streaming: JioHotstar’s decision to broadcast IPL matches in multiple languages has helped it appeal to a wider demographic, contributing significantly to its subscriber growth.
  • Competitively Priced Subscriptions: The platform’s affordable pricing strategy has made it an attractive option for viewers, driving subscriber acquisition.
  • High-profile Sports Programming: IPL’s massive popularity has been a key driver of JioHotstar’s growth, with the platform securing 32 sponsors and eyeing ₹4,500 crore in ad revenue.

Global Ranking
JioHotstar’s impressive subscriber growth has positioned it as the third-largest video streaming platform globally, following Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Uday Shankar, Vice Chairman of JioStar, expressed satisfaction with achieving a large subscriber base in India, highlighting the platform’s rapid rise ¹.


The Indian digital entertainment market is estimated to reach $10 billion by 2030, with JioHotstar, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video vying for supremacy. JioStar’s commitment to expanding its reach and its strategic partnerships will likely play a crucial role in shaping the platform’s future growth ².


JioHotstar’s success highlights India’s growing influence in the global streaming market. The platform’s focus on live sports streaming and affordable pricing has disrupted the traditional broadcasting model, setting a new benchmark for the industry ¹.