Manchester United to buy RCB? Glazer submits enormous bid to acquire the IPL franchise

The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to undergo an ownership overhaul and could spur one of the biggest crossovers between cricket and football. According to a recent report circulating on the internet and published on India Today, Avram Glazer, co-owner of the English Premier League club Manchester United, is keen on acquiring the IPL outfit.

Subsequently, the report states that Glazer has submitted a bid worth $1.8 billion (roughly Rs 16,300 crore) through his investment company, Lancer Capital, and has emerged as one of the strongest contenders to take over RCB.

RCB’s current owners, Diageo (via United Spirits Ltd.), are believed to have put the franchise on sale in November, just months after the title triumph. Reports suggest as many as nine bidders have shown interest, including Indian pharma businessman Adar Poonawalla.

Why does Diageo want to sell RCB?

RCB's long wait to lift the IPL trophy finally came to an end in 2025 when the team defeated Punjab Kings in the final and emerged as the champions for the first time. Being an IPL franchise, RCB's valuation was already enormous, and the title win on top of that took it further to a colossal level. As the value for the asset reached a sky-high, Diageo may have felt that it was the right time to sell RCB and make tons of profit.

Can Glazer buy RCB, and what return will he get?

RCB's valuation is currently estimated at around $1.5 to $2 billion (₹12,000-16,000+ Crore), and Glazer's reported bid also lies in the same bracket. Hence, the Manchester United owner could seal the deal in the end.

Much like Manchester United, RCB also holds a massive fan following. It is a factor that contributes firmly to the revenue, as regardless of the form, the franchise will always get returns through merchandise and ticket sales. Moreover, they have a superstar in the team by the name of Virat Kohli, whose fame draws immense popularity towards RCB, too. So, given what RCB offers in return, it would be a win-win agreement for both parties.

Besides, if Glazer wins the bid to acquire RCB, a collaboration between Manchester United stars and Royal Challengers Bengaluru's luminaries could become possible. Imagine Kohli sitting in the Sir Alex Ferguson stand inside the Old Trafford stadium, cheering for the Red Devils against derby rivals Manchester City. What a sight it would be for the supporters of both these sporting giants.