New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have emerged as one of the most valuable IPL franchises. The Bengaluru-based franchise won its second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title by defeating Delhi Capitals in the final on February 5.
With that triumph, RCB became the only side to hold the IPL and WPL titles at the same time. After winning the title, RCB have reportedly attracted non-binding bids from nine parties. The sale process, which was started by current owners Diageo in November, is expected to end by March, before the start of the IPL 2026.
Glazers emerge as frontrunners in bidding process
According to a report from State of Play, the Glazer family have made an offer of US$1.8 billion through New Orleans-based Lancer Capital, making them one of the highest bidders so far.
Avram Glazer, who is the co-owner of Manchester United and the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, also owns the ILT20 franchise Desert Vipers in the UAE. The Glazers had previously made bids to acquire an IPL franchise in 2021 during expansion.
Their bids for the Ahmedabad and Lucknow franchises in 2021 were the lowest among all bidders. The RPSG Group bought the Lucknow team after submitting an offer of Rs 7,090 crore, while the Titans were sold to a private equity firm, CVC Capital Partners, for Rs 5,625 crore.
The American family are also reportedly in contention to by Rajasthan Royals (RR). However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rules restrict ownership of more than one IPL franchise, so they will have to choose before entering into exclusive negotiations.
The Glazer family has owned Manchester United since 2005 and has been extremely unpopular among the fans of the Premier League club. They sold a 26.2 per cent stake to Sir Jim Ratcliffe for £1.3bn in February 2024, and the British billionaire is now responsible for the football-related decisions of the club.