Indian Premier League (IPL) founder Lalit Modi has made a massive claim, stating that the British Spirits giant Diageo Plc has decided to sell the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Back in June this year, reports had emerged that Diageo had wished to sell the RCB franchise in a smart and strategic move after the Chinnaswamy stampede on June 04. The tragic incident left 11 dead and over 40 injured during the team's victory celebrations after the IPL 2025 trophy run.
Notably, Diageo did not want to his name linked to the RCB team after the unfortunate incident and wished to sell his IPL franchise off for $ 2 billion (INR 17,753). A few days ago, a fresh report emerged that the prominent company denied such allegations. However, Modi has a different take on the matter.
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The IPL founder is pretty sure that the RCB will be sold off by the previous owner and that they will start something big. With Virat Kohli still being the biggest name and face of the franchise, $269 million (INR 2,386 Crore approx) after they won their maiden IPL trophy after 18 years. Modi stated that whatever price RCB eventually gets sold off, it will set a huge benchmark for other IPL teams.
Lalit Modi gives his two cents on the value RCB franchise will get sold
“There have been a lot of rumors about the sale of an IPL franchise, specifically RCB – well, in the past, they have been denied. But it seems the owners have finally decided to take it off their balance sheet and sell it. I am sure, having won the IPL last season and also with its strong base of fans and of course, the Team itself, and a great management team, it could be the only Team which would be available as a whole as an IPL franchise. I am sure one of the Big Global funds or a Sovereign Fund would desperately like to have them as part of their investment strategy and India strategy,” Modi wrote on X.
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“There can be no better investment opportunity I could think of than this one. Good luck to whoever can get their hands on it. It definitely will set a new record valuation, which will just go to show that IPL is not only the fastest growing Global Sporting league but also the most valuable. That new price that RCB sets will become the new floor price for all teams. Good luck to all. I am sure Citi Bank will do a great job auctioning the team to prospective buyers,” the IPL founder further added.
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