The Indian Premier League (IPL) is once again grabbing global attention — this time not for on-field action but for massive investment interest. Some of the world’s biggest billionaires and investment firms are lining up to buy stakes in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals as franchise valuations skyrocket.
According to a Reuters report, billionaire investor David Blitzer is exploring the purchase of a majority stake in an IPL franchise and is currently in talks with RCB and Rajasthan Royals. The development could trigger one of the biggest ownership shake-ups in IPL history.
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Global investors rush toward IPL
David Blitzer, co-founder of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, is conducting due diligence on both franchises. His firm already owns stakes in several global sports teams across the US and Europe, making IPL a natural expansion target.
Manchester United co-chairman Avram Glazer has also reportedly submitted early bids for both teams. Glazer, who co-owns Manchester United and the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is among several high-profile global investors now eyeing IPL’s explosive growth.
Private equity giants KKR and Blackstone are also evaluating potential investments. While KKR is assessing both RCB and Rajasthan Royals, Blackstone has shown particular interest in RCB, the report said.
Why RCB could be up for sale
RCB is currently owned by United Spirits Ltd (USL), controlled by global liquor giant Diageo. The company has already initiated a strategic review of its IPL franchise investment, calling it a “non-core” asset for its alcohol business.
USL Managing Director Praveen Someshwar had earlier stated that while RCB has been a valuable and strategic asset, it does not directly align with the company’s core alcobev operations. This has opened the door for potential stake sales or even a majority buyout.
RCB was originally bought in 2008 by Vijay Mallya for $111.6 million. After Diageo acquired Mallya’s spirits business, it assumed full control of the franchise. Today, the team’s valuation has multiplied many times over.
IPL valuation hits new highs
The growing interest comes at a time when IPL franchise values are soaring. Investment bank Houlihan Lokey recently pegged the league’s overall valuation at around $18.5 billion, making it one of the most valuable sports leagues globally.
With rising media rights revenue, strong sponsorship deals and global fan engagement, IPL teams have become premium sports assets attracting investors worldwide.
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What happens next
The deadline for final bids is reportedly set for mid-March, and any ownership change will need approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Given the scale of interest and rising valuations, the final deal could set new benchmarks for sports franchise investments.
If the deals go through, IPL could soon see a major shift in ownership dynamics — with global billionaires taking center stage in one of cricket’s biggest leagues.
