Two of the Indian Premier League’s most recognisable franchises could be on the brink of a significant ownership shift. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals have both drawn strong interest from global and domestic investors, with discussions pointing toward valuations rarely seen in franchise cricket.

Multiple parties have reportedly submitted initial offers, indicating that both teams are being seriously evaluated for either partial or complete sale. The interest reflects the sustained commercial growth of the IPL and the expanding global appeal of the league.

From Founding Teams to Billion-Dollar Assets

Both franchises have been part of the IPL since its inaugural season. Over the years, their market worth has risen sharply, driven by media rights growth, sponsorship value, and strong fan engagement.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, currently riding high after winning the 2025 title, has consistently remained one of the league’s most visible teams despite limited silverware in earlier years. Rajasthan Royals, champions of the first IPL season, have built a reputation for strategic team-building and long-term planning.

What began as comparatively modest investments nearly two decades ago have now transformed into assets potentially valued well beyond the billion-dollar mark.

Shortlisted Bidders and Sale Structure

Reports suggest that several investment groups and high-profile business figures have progressed to advanced stages of the bidding process. Interested parties have been offered flexibility, including the option to acquire full ownership stakes.

The current owners are understood to be reassessing their involvement, with a strategic decision expected within the coming weeks. Advisors have been appointed to oversee the process, manage negotiations, and ensure compliance with league regulations.

Any transfer of ownership will still require formal clearance from the cricket board, which is entitled to a fixed share of the transaction value under existing IPL guidelines.

Timelines and Next Steps

The bidding process is structured in multiple phases. After initial financial submissions, shortlisted bidders will undergo detailed due diligence and technical evaluations. Final negotiations are expected to follow shortly after, with binding offers likely to be submitted before the end of the current financial cycle.

While no official confirmation has been made, the pace of developments suggests that clarity on both franchises’ futures may arrive sooner rather than later.

A Reflection of the IPL’s Commercial Strength

The strong response from investors underlines the IPL’s status as one of the most lucrative sporting properties in the world. Beyond on-field success, franchises are now viewed as long-term commercial platforms with global reach.

Whether or not ownership changes hands, the interest surrounding Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals highlights how far the league has evolved—and how valuable its teams have become in the modern sports economy.