Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 7: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the reigning champions of both the Women’s Premier League and the Indian Premier League (IPL), have attracted massive global interest, with nine parties submitting bids reportedly ranging from USD 1 billion to USD 1.8 billion for ownership of the franchise.

Among the top contenders is the Glazer family, owners of English Premier League powerhouse Manchester United, whose offer has touched nearly USD 1.75–1.8 billion. Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi confirmed on Saturday that the Glazers’ bid currently stands at around USD 1.75 billion.

Modi said the valuation appears to be based on the IPL’s existing 74-match format but noted that an expansion to a full home-and-away structure with around 94 matches could soon become standard. Such a shift, he said, would significantly strengthen the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) financial position at a time when its central revenues are under pressure.

He pointed out that the BCCI could face sharp declines in income from both its share of International Cricket Council (ICC) revenues and bilateral media rights. “But the IPL will more than compensate for those losses,” Modi said, expressing strong confidence that the next IPL media rights cycle—due within the next year—could at least double in value.

Modi also highlighted broader changes in global cricket economics, noting that increasing player workload and congested calendars would inevitably reduce bilateral and ICC fixtures. At the same time, lucrative domestic leagues are likely to draw greater player focus. “This trend is unavoidable,” he said, adding that under current conditions, the BCCI stands to gain the most. “Indians love cricket — and above all, they love Indian cricket.”

According to a report by State of Play, all nine bids submitted so far are non-binding and carry no obligation to conclude a deal at the quoted valuation. RCB’s current owners are expected to use these offers to shortlist potential buyers by next week, after which binding bids will be invited.

Last month, Serum Institute of India ceo and Poonawalla Fincorp chairman Adar Poonawalla publicly expressed interest in acquiring the franchise, stating that he planned to submit a “strong and competitive” bid in the coming months.

London-based Diageo, the parent company of United Spirits Ltd, which owns RCB, initiated the sale process in November last year. The team’s valuation was then estimated at around USD 105 million, though interest has surged dramatically since. The process reportedly gathered pace following a tragic stampede during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in June 2025, in which 11 fans lost their lives.

With global investors, Indian industrialists, and sports conglomerates in the fray, the sale of RCB is shaping up to be one of the most high-profile and high-value franchise transactions in the history of cricket.