Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the reigning IPL champions, are set for a major ownership change as Diageo has confirmed plans to sell both its men’s and women’s teams before IPL 2026, with the process expected to conclude by March 31, 2026.
According to a report by Exchange4Media, the potential retirement of Virat Kohli — RCB’s long-time face and biggest brand asset — is among the factors influencing the sale. Experts believe Kohli’s eventual exit could significantly impact RCB’s valuation, prompting the current owners to seek a timely exit while the team’s market worth remains strong.
Indranil Das Blah, founder of AMP Sports and Entertainment, said, “RCB has stayed a top-three brand even without titles because of Virat. His retirement, whenever it happens, will definitely impact valuations.”
Following their maiden title win in IPL 2025, RCB became the most-valued franchise, with brand value jumping 18.5% year-on-year, from $227 million in 2024 to $269 million in 2025. Kohli, who has been with RCB since the inception of the league in 2008, has never represented another team, making his association central to the franchise’s identity and commercial appeal.
Kohli retired from T20 Internationals in 2024 and from Test cricket in 2025, leaving only ODIs and the IPL on his active playing calendar. Industry analysts now expect his IPL retirement within the next three to four seasons, which could introduce uncertainty into RCB’s long-term brand equity and sponsorship stability.
Despite the impending changes, some experts maintain that Kohli could remain involved with RCB in a mentorship or ambassadorial role post-retirement, helping sustain fan loyalty and brand continuity.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Franchise valuations and sale decisions are subject to change based on official announcements and market conditions.
