2025 has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The year began with jubilation as the franchise finally broke its long-standing jinx by winning its maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy — a historic triumph that ended years of heartbreak for its passionate fanbase.

However, the celebrations soon turned grim after a tragic stampede during the victory parade in Bengaluru claimed 11 lives and left several others injured, casting a shadow over the momentous achievement. Adding to the turbulence, former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has now stirred the pot with a bombshell claim.

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Taking to social media, Lalit Modi revealed that RCB’s current owners, Diageo Plc, have made up their minds to sell the franchise and are actively seeking buyers. “There have been a lot of rumours about the sale of an @IPL franchise, specifically @RCBTweets. 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,” Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).

There have been a lot of rumour about the sale of an @IPL franchise specifically @RCBTweets – 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… pic.twitter.com/ecXfU5n5v5

— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) September 29, 2025

This isn’t the first time speculation around RCB’s ownership has surfaced. Earlier this year, multiple reports suggested that Diageo Plc had initiated talks with potential investors. However, Modi’s latest statement has brought the matter firmly back into the spotlight.

Highlighting the franchise’s immense commercial value, Modi added, “Having won the IPL last season and with its massive fan base, solid team, and management, RCB could be the only franchise available as a whole. A global fund or sovereign investor would certainly view it as a premium addition to their India strategy.”

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He further predicted that the sale would fetch a record-breaking valuation, setting a new benchmark for all IPL franchises. “There can be no better investment opportunity than this one. The new price RCB commands will become the floor price for future team valuations. IPL has proven to be the fastest-growing and most valuable global sporting league,” Modi concluded.

With fans still celebrating the long-awaited trophy, the possibility of a change in ownership has added yet another dramatic twist to RCB’s already eventful year.