Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla Enters Race for Royal Challengers Bengaluru Ownership
In a significant development in the Indian Premier League landscape, Adar Poonawalla, the Chief Executive Officer of Pune-based vaccine manufacturer Serum Institute of India, has publicly announced his intention to submit a strong and competitive bid for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise. This move comes as current owners United Spirits Ltd (USL), the Indian subsidiary of global beverage giant Diageo, initiated a strategic review to find new ownership for the team last November.
Poonawalla's Public Declaration on Social Media
On Thursday, Poonawalla took to social media platform X to make his ambitions clear, stating: "Over the next few months, will be putting in a STRONG and COMPETITIVE bid for @RCBTweets, one of the best teams in the IPL." This announcement has generated considerable buzz in cricket and business circles, given Poonawalla's prominent profile and the franchise's storied history in both the men's IPL and Women's Premier League (WPL).
Background of the Franchise Sale Process
The process to transfer ownership of RCB began in November last year when Diageo, through United Spirits Ltd, formally announced a strategic review of their investment in Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd (RCSPL). In communications to the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange, the company described this as a deliberate move to reassess their holdings in the cricket franchise.
According to Forbes India, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru is currently valued at approximately USD 105 million. The franchise's sale timeline is expected to conclude by March 31, 2026, as indicated in Diageo's official disclosures. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL Governing Council have been duly informed about these developments.
Historical Context and Recent Events
The franchise originally entered the IPL when Vijay Mallya's UB Group acquired it for $111.6 million, making it the second-most expensive team after Mumbai Indians at that time. Following Diageo's acquisition of a controlling stake in the UB Group in 2015, the franchise came under the UK-based company's umbrella, with Diageo becoming the sole owner by 2016.
Recent events have also influenced the decision to sell. A tragic stampede on June 4, 2025, during RCB's victory celebrations after winning the IPL final, resulted in the deaths of 11 fans. This incident reportedly accelerated discussions about the franchise's future ownership and management.
What Makes RCB an Attractive Investment?
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru represents a premium sports asset with several appealing characteristics:
- Dual Championship Pedigree: The franchise holds both an IPL trophy (won in 2025) and a Women's Premier League title, showcasing success across genders.
- Strong Brand Value: With consistent performances and star players like Virat Kohli, RCB has built a massive fan following and commercial appeal.
- Growth Potential: The expanding popularity of cricket in India and globally suggests continued valuation growth for premium IPL franchises.
Adar Poonawalla's entry into the bidding process adds an intriguing dimension to this high-stakes transaction. As a successful business leader with global recognition from his work at Serum Institute during the pandemic, his potential ownership could bring fresh perspectives to franchise management. The coming months will reveal whether his strong and competitive bid will succeed in acquiring one of cricket's most recognizable brands.
