Mumbai, February 2026: In a surprising twist in the world of sports ownership, the Glazer family, co-owners of Manchester United, have placed a $1.8 billion bid for IPL champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The bid, submitted via their investment arm Lancer Capital, tops a list of nine non-binding offers for the franchise, whose men’s and women’s teams are valued at up to $2 billion following their 2025 triumphs.
The sale process was initiated by Diageo in November 2025 and aims to conclude by March 2026, just ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Other notable bidders include Dr. Ranjan Pai and Adar Poonawalla, highlighting the growing appeal of Indian Premier League franchises among high-profile global investors.
Manchester United fans have expressed frustration on social media, criticizing the Glazers for prioritizing cricket investments over the club’s needs. Meanwhile, RCB supporters are wary of a potential “Glazer curse,” fearing that the franchise’s on-field success could be affected under new ownership.
The shortlisted bids will move to a binding offer stage next week, with industry experts suggesting that the final deal could set a record for cricket franchise sales globally. Analysts point out that RCB’s consistent fanbase, strong brand value, and recent championship wins make it a highly sought-after investment opportunity in both Indian and global sports markets.
If successful, the acquisition would mark the Glazers’ entry into the Indian sports ecosystem, further blending cricket and football fandoms under a single investment umbrella.
