With Royal Challengers Bangalore already stirring the headlines with their lookout for new investors, there are speculations about another IPL franchise taking the same route. However, the name of the franchise continues to remain under cover; the Diageo-owned team has already received offers from six potential suitors, which include prominent Indian and international investors.

RCB has no scarcity of a loyal fanbase and neither of the options for the investors. The CEO of the Serum Institute of India, Adar Poonawalla, Parth Jindal of JSW Group, and the Adani Group, in addition to two US-based private equity firms, have expressed their interest in being the potential equity holders of RCB. Citi and another global bank have been appointed to advise on the possible transaction by Diageo.

Through his post on X, Poonawala made his interest in RCB loud and clear. Reports suggest that Poonawala is in discussions with an American investment fund as he eyes a spot in the race of investors. On the other hand, if JSW Group pursues the deal, they would need to let go of their stake in Delhi Capitals.

Diageo is said to be on the lookout for around USD 2 billion for the team. However, the analysts and advisors are split based on their opinions for the franchise’s valuation. Some of them believe that the value is justified, while others believe that the franchise’s investment deal holds a greater potential to soar higher with the IPL media rights cycle in 2027.

Irrespective of its wide fanbase and recent win after 18 years, the deal might get affected by the unresolved June 4 tragedy case. Moreover, the uncertainty regarding the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will certainly emerge as another hurdle in the smooth execution of the deal.

In coming weeks, a final verdict from Diageo is anticipated, as investors around the globe continue to eye the opportunity to enter in the IPL’s rapidly expanding ecosystem.