Tag: RCB

Sports

Manchester United Co-Owner Makes $1.8 Billion Bid for IPL Champions RCB

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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.

Sports

IPL 2026 to Begin on March 26, Final Scheduled for May 31

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The Indian Premier League 2026 season is set to begin on Thursday, March 26, with the final scheduled for Sunday, May 31. The dates for the upcoming edition were revealed by IPL CEO Hemang Amin during a briefing with all ten franchises ahead of the mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi, according to Cricbuzz. While the complete match schedule is yet to be announced, it is expected to be made public in the coming days.

It has been confirmed that defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will feature in the opening fixture of the tournament. However, uncertainty remains over whether the match will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Traditionally, the IPL season opener is hosted at the home venue of the defending champions, but the availability of the stadium is yet to be finalised.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association has received conditional clearance from the state government to host IPL matches, with final approval pending the fulfilment of safety and security requirements. The venue has not hosted matches since a tragic stampede outside the stadium during victory celebrations last year resulted in the loss of 11 lives, following which even Women’s World Cup matches were relocated.

Ahead of the auction, the Board of Control for Cricket in India held a meeting with representatives of all ten franchises, during which teams were informed about the tentative window for the tournament. Attention will now shift to the IPL 2026 auction, where franchises will compete for 77 available slots, including 31 overseas player positions. The highest reserve price has been set at ₹2 crore, with 40 players registering in this bracket.

Several prominent international and domestic players, including Cameron Green, David Miller, Devon Conway, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Gus Atkinson, Wanindu Hasaranga, Venkatesh Iyer and Liam Livingstone, have entered the auction at the top base price. Meanwhile, notable absentees from the auction list include Glenn Maxwell and Faf du Plessis. As teams prepare to finalise their squads, anticipation continues to build for the return of one of cricket’s most-watched tournaments.

Sports

Hombale Films in Talks to Buy RCB

Tanisha Cardozo

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.

Sports

RCB Pledges ₹25 Lakh Each to Stampede Victims’ Families, Launches ‘RCB Cares’ for Long-Term Support

Tanisha Cardozo

On June 4, 2025, what should have been a moment of jubilation turned into a heartbreaking tragedy. During the celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic win in this year’s IPL, a stampede broke out at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, claiming the lives of 11 fans and injuring many others. Nearly three months later, RCB has released a statement reaffirming its commitment to those affected—not just in words, but through action.

In a poignant message posted on August 30, RCB expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Our hearts broke on June 4. We lost eleven members of the RCB family. They were part of us. Part of what makes our city, our community & our team unique. Their absence will echo in the memories of each one of us.”

The team announced it is extending ₹25 lakh to each of the families of the deceased. This is in addition to the ₹10 lakh per family that was announced shortly after the incident in June. The team emphasized that this support goes beyond financial aid. “It is a promise of compassion, unity, and ongoing care. No amount of support can ever fill the space they’ve left behind. But as a first step, and with the deepest respect, RCB has extended ₹25 lakh each to their families.”

Alongside this, RCB officially launched ‘RCB Cares’, a long-term commitment designed to provide ongoing support, not just for the families of the deceased, but also for injured fans and the larger community. “RCB Cares grew out of a need to honour, to heal, and to stand beside our fans,” the team said.

The tragedy has not only left an emotional scar on the team and its fans but also sparked political debate. The opposition BJP held the ruling Congress government accountable, questioning the presence of Deputy CM DK Shivakumar at the venue. Shivakumar clarified that his presence was requested by the city’s Police Commissioner to help disperse the crowd swiftly. Amid this political turmoil, RCB had maintained a near-total public silence—until now.

Two days ago, the team broke its silence with a heartfelt post: “The Silence wasn’t Absence. It was Grief.” The message continued, “In that silence, we’ve been grieving. Listening. Learning. And slowly, we’ve begun to build something more than just a response. Something we truly believe in.”

With the announcement of increased support and the launch of ‘RCB Cares’, Royal Challengers Bengaluru has taken a step toward healing—not just for the victims’ families, but for a fanbase united in both celebration and mourning. As the city continues to move forward, the echoes of June 4 remain, and RCB’s latest move ensures that those who were lost will not be forgotten.

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.