Global sport could be on the brink of one of its most fascinating crossovers, with football and cricket potentially converging at the ownership level. Reports suggest that Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer has emerged as a leading contender to acquire Indian Premier League (IPL) powerhouse Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), submitting a staggering $1.8 billion (approximately ₹16,300 crore) bid through his investment firm, Lancer Capital.

If completed, the deal would not only rank among the largest franchise transactions in Indian sporting history but would also mark a landmark moment in the growing intersection between elite European football ownership and franchise-based T20 cricket leagues.

Why the Timing of the RCB Sale Is Crucial

The reported bid comes at a moment of peak valuation for RCB. The Bengaluru-based franchise recently ended nearly two decades of heartbreak by winning their maiden IPL title in 2025, defeating Punjab Kings in the final. The triumph dramatically altered RCB’s commercial standing, transforming years of popularity without silverware into tangible on-field success.

Shortly after the title win, Smriti Mandhana-led RCB also clinched their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title, defeating Delhi Capitals. That achievement made RCB the first franchise in Indian cricket history to hold both the IPL and WPL trophies simultaneously—further boosting their market appeal.

According to multiple reports, current owners Diageo, which controls RCB via United Spirits Ltd., placed the franchise on the market in November, believing the period immediately following these historic wins represented the optimal window to explore a partial or full sale.

RCB: A Franchise at Peak Market Demand

RCB’s appeal goes far beyond recent trophies. Since the inception of the IPL in 2008, the franchise has remained one of the league’s most recognisable brands. Initially purchased by Vijay Mallya’s UB Group for $111.6 million in 2007, RCB later came under Diageo’s control after the multinational gradually took over United Spirits Ltd.

Several factors now position RCB as one of the most valuable sporting assets in Indian cricket:

• One of the largest and most loyal fanbases in the IPL

• Strong global brand recognition and sponsorship power

• Star-driven legacy featuring players like Virat Kohli and Smriti Mandhana

• Successful men’s and women’s teams

• Bengaluru’s status as a major commercial and technology hub

• A sharp post-title surge in franchise valuation

Together, these elements have made RCB a prime target for global investors seeking exposure to India’s rapidly expanding sports economy.

Happy Captain, Happy Us. 🥹🫶❤️#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #WPL2026 #RCBvDC pic.twitter.com/HB73PgEZTR— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 5, 2026

Details of the Glazer Bid

According to a State of Play report, RCB have received nine non-binding bids in the initial round, with valuations ranging from approximately $1 billion to $1.8 billion. Avram Glazer’s offer currently sits at the top end of that spectrum, making it one of the highest—if not the highest—proposals submitted so far.

The bid has reportedly been made through New Orleans-based Lancer Capital, an investment firm owned by Glazer. While non-binding, the offer has been shortlisted alongside four others, advancing Glazer to the next phase of negotiations.

If the deal proceeds, the acquisition would include ownership of both the IPL men’s team and the WPL women’s team, significantly expanding the Glazer family’s footprint in global cricket.

Manchester United’s Financial Muscle and the Glazer Empire

Manchester United remain one of the wealthiest and most valuable sports clubs in the world, with a valuation estimated at around £4.9 billion. The Glazer family’s overall net worth reportedly crossed $10 billion in early 2025, underscoring their capacity to pursue high-value sporting investments.

The American business dynasty already owns NFL franchise Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has steadily diversified its portfolio across major global sports properties. Their interest in cricket is not new—rather, it has been a long-term strategic ambition.

Through Lancer Capital, the Glazers already own Desert Vipers, a franchise in the UAE’s ILT20 league. An IPL team, however, has always been considered the ultimate prize.

Previous IPL Attempts and Renewed Determination

The Glazers have previously tried—and failed—to enter the IPL. During the league’s expansion phase in 2021, Avram Glazer submitted bids for the Ahmedabad and Lucknow franchises. According to Cricket Monthly, those bids—₹4,128.65 crore for Ahmedabad and ₹4,023.99 crore for Lucknow—were the lowest among the nine contenders, and both teams were ultimately sold to other ownership groups.

Reports from The Mirror later suggested that Glazer was unsuccessful again when Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants were awarded by the BCCI.

This time, however, the Glazers appear far more aggressive and determined, with RCB representing a significantly higher-profile and more commercially established opportunity.

Interest Extends Beyond RCB: Rajasthan Royals Also in Play

In a parallel development, reports indicate that the Glazers have also submitted a non-binding bid to acquire Rajasthan Royals (RR). The Royals’ owners have reportedly shortlisted five parties for the next round, with the Glazer family among them.

Unlike the RCB process, Rajasthan Royals are said to have moved beyond the initial non-binding stage and are now preparing for the second round of negotiations before entering exclusivity with one bidder.

However, BCCI regulations prohibit any ownership group from entering exclusivity talks with more than one IPL franchise simultaneously. Should the Glazers advance to the final stages for both RCB and Rajasthan Royals, they would be forced to choose between the two teams.

Who Else Is Bidding for RCB?

While Glazer’s bid has captured global attention, he is far from the only heavyweight in the race.

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, has publicly confirmed his interest in acquiring RCB. Taking to social media platform X, the billionaire businessman acknowledged his intention to pursue the franchise, although no specific bid value has been disclosed. Reuters also reported his declared interest.

In addition, several prominent Indian industrial groups and investors have been linked with the process through media reports, including:

• Adani Group – reported strategic interest

• JSW Group – named among potential bidders

• Sanjay Govil and other US-India investors – mentioned as possible consortium leaders

While Diageo has not publicly disclosed the full list of bidders or their exact valuations, multiple outlets confirm that nine non-binding proposals were received in the first round.

Why IPL Teams Are Drawing Global Investors

RCB’s sale process highlights a broader trend: IPL franchises are increasingly viewed as elite global sports assets rather than regional cricket teams.

With massive broadcast deals, expanding digital audiences, and year-round commercial opportunities, IPL teams now rival major football clubs in valuation growth potential. The league’s franchise-based structure also aligns closely with American sports ownership models, making it particularly attractive to investors like the Glazers.

A successful acquisition of RCB would further blur the lines between global football and cricket ownership and could encourage more crossover deals in the future.

What Happens Next in the RCB Sale Process?

At this stage, all bids remain non-binding. Diageo is expected to use the initial proposals to narrow down the shortlist before inviting binding offers from selected parties.

Reports suggest that the next phase could move quickly, with shortlisted bidders asked to submit final, binding proposals once due diligence is completed. While no agreement has been finalised, Avram Glazer’s $1.8 billion offer has effectively set the benchmark for the process and intensified competition for one of cricket’s most prized franchises.

If the deal goes through, it could redefine IPL franchise valuations, establish a new ceiling for ownership transactions in Indian sport, and usher in a new era of international ownership within the league.

A Defining Moment for Global Sports Ownership

From Manchester United’s Old Trafford to Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the potential acquisition of RCB by the Glazer family represents far more than a routine business deal. It reflects the accelerating globalisation of sports ownership and the IPL’s evolution into one of the most valuable and influential leagues in the world.

For now, all eyes remain on Diageo’s next move—and whether Avram Glazer’s record-breaking bid will finally secure the Glazers the IPL franchise they have long been chasing.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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