RCB SALE: Manchester United owner Avram Glazer bids to buy IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru
The Glazer family have re-entered the IPL race, targeting the reigning IPL and WPL champions- RCB.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are once again at the centre of the Indian Premier League (IPL) spotlight—but this time, it’s off the field. Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer, as per the reports in The Week, has placed a staggering bid of ₹16,303 crore (approximately $1.8 billion) to acquire the IPL 2025 champions, marking one of the biggest franchise offers in the history of Indian sport.
According to reports, the Glazer family is among nine parties to have submitted non-binding bids for RCB, with valuations ranging between $1 billion and $1.8 billion. While these bids are not legally binding, they indicate the fierce competition and soaring interest surrounding one of the IPL’s most commercially powerful franchises.
The Glazers, who own Manchester United through their family trust, are also understood to be exploring the acquisition of Rajasthan Royals as part of a broader push into the Indian cricket market. Through Lancer Capital, Avram Glazer already owns the Desert Vipers in the UAE’s ILT20 league, but an IPL franchise has long been the family’s ultimate objective.
After failing to secure an IPL expansion team in 2021, the Glazers turn to RCB with renewed intent
The Glazers’ interest in Indian cricket is not new. Back in 2021, the Glazer family attempted to secure one of the two new IPL expansion teams but failed after submitting the lowest qualifying bid of ₹4,128.65 crore. Those franchises were eventually awarded to RPSG Group (Lucknow Super Giants) and CVC Capital (Gujarat Titans).
Five years later, the Glazers appear far more aligned with the explosive growth and valuations of IPL assets. RCB’s recent success has played a crucial role in this surge of interest. After years of being labelled as the IPL’s most high-profile underachievers, the Bengaluru franchise finally lifted their maiden IPL title in 2025 and followed it up with a second Women’s Premier League (WPL) crown.
The on-field glory, combined with an unmatched fanbase and the enduring brand value of Virat Kohli, has dramatically strengthened RCB’s commercial appeal. Current owners Diageo, via United Spirits, initially began a strategic review of their sports holdings but have since moved decisively toward a full sale.
Confidential Information Memorandums (CIMs) have been circulated to potential buyers, with Citigroup acting as the transaction advisor—confirming that RCB is now firmly on the market. With bids nearing the $2 billion mark, the sale of RCB is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and consequential franchise transactions Indian sport has ever witnessed.
Who has placed a bid for Royal Challengers Bengaluru?
Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer has reportedly submitted a ₹16,303 crore non-binding bid for RCB.
Are the Glazer family the only one bidding for RCB?
No, there are a total of 9 bids received in the non-binding round for RCB.
Why is RCB’s valuation so high right now?
RCB’s IPL 2025 title win, WPL success, massive fanbase, and strong commercial value have driven their valuation close to $2 billion.
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Vishwajit Sawant is a sports content writer with two years of experience who believes in writing that feels honest, simple, and easy to read. He enjoys breaking down sporting moments into stories readers can genuinely connect with, without relying on fancy vocabulary. His work spans cricket, football, basketball, tennis, and Formula 1, with a focus on match previews, reviews, and reports. Vishwajit believes good content doesn’t need to be loud — it just needs to leave a subtle impact.