The sport could be on the verge of one of the most interesting crossover deals in recent years, with Premier League giants Manchester United possibly entering the world of IPL ownership. Reports claim that United co-owner Avram Glazer has made a huge bid to buy Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The timing is striking. RCB is coming up with its long-awaited first IPL title in 2025, a breakthrough that not only ended years of frustration but also took the value of the franchise to new heights.
According to reports, Glazer, through his investment firm Lancer Capital, has submitted a bid worth $1.8 billion (roughly Rs. 16,300 crore), making him one of the strongest names in the ownership race that is now attracting attention beyond India.
RCB’s current owners, Diageo (through United Spirits Ltd.), are believed to have launched the franchise in November, just months after the title triumph. Reports suggest that as many as nine bidders have shown interest, including Indian pharmaceutical businessman Adar Poonawalla.
Why are RCB for sale?
RCB’s long-awaited IPL 2025 triumph has prompted a major rethink at the top, with Diageo reportedly deciding that the period immediately after winning the title it was the best time to investigate the sale. Being one of the most popular franchises in the IPL, RCB is now sitting on the cusp of market demand.
IPL teams are increasingly seen as major business assets and RCB are among the most valuable in the league.
The Bengaluru page offers:
- One of the biggest fan bases in IPL
- Strong power of sponsorship and branding
- Successful teams of men and women
- Massive jump in value after winning the trophy
Reports also add that the offer to sell RCB was highly competitive, ranging from $1 billion to $1.8 billion, with United’s valuation being one of the highest.
Can Man United buy RCB with this offer?
Glazer’s offer is understood to be tentative for now, meaning no final deal has yet been signed. However, reports suggest his offer has been shortlisted along with four others, meaning he has moved on to the next stage of negotiations.
If the deal goes through, it will include ownership of both:
- RCB Men’s IPL Team
- RCB WPL Women’s Team
The Glazers have already invested in cricket through Lancer Capital, which owns the Desert Vipers in the UAE ILT20 league. An IPL franchise has long been considered the bigger target.
Manchester United remains one of the richest clubs in global sport, worth around £4.9bn, while the Glazer family’s fortune is said to have topped $10bn at the start of 2025.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
February 7, 2026