Binding bid deadline arrives for RCB and RR as ownership race heats up ahead of IPL 2026

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is in two weeks, but the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have yet to find new owners. The race to secure ownership stakes has now entered a crucial stage as the BCCI has issued a final date, March 16. Interested investors must place their bids on the teams before the deadline; otherwise, they will not be considered. 

Several investment groups, private equity firms, and high-net-worth individuals have reportedly been evaluating the opportunity to acquire stakes in the franchises, highlighting the ever-growing commercial power of the IPL. The tournament has grown over the years, and hence, many investors have shown interest in both teams. Moreover, RCB is one of the most entertaining teams in the tournament, and that's why the ownership race is up.

List of bidders for RCB and RR ahead of IPL 2026

For RCB, the list of bidders reportedly includes global investment firm EQT and businessman Avram Glazer through Lancer Capital. Healthcare entrepreneur Ranjan Pai is also part of the race. Another high-profile name in the mix is Adar Poonawalla, who has entered the process alongside global private equity giant TPG.

Additionally, the Times of India Group has expressed interest in acquiring a stake in the Bengaluru-based franchise. Other investment entities believed to be exploring the opportunity include Premji Invest and Capri Global. 

Meanwhile, RR also have a few interested investors, including Aditya Birla Group, which is reportedly partnering with David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures for the bid. The Times of India Group has also submitted a bid for Rajasthan Royals, indicating that the media conglomerate is exploring ownership opportunities across multiple IPL franchises. Financial services firm Capri Global is another bidder for RR.

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Why are investors targeting IPL franchises?

The intense bidding activity surrounding Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals reflects the extraordinary growth of the IPL as a sporting and commercial property. One of the biggest factors driving investor interest is the IPL’s central revenue-sharing model. Teams receive a share of the league’s massive broadcast rights deals, which are worth billions of dollars. This ensures relatively stable and predictable revenue streams for franchise owners.

This year, the IPL is set to start on March 28. The first match will be played between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Bengaluru. Moreover, RR will play their first game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 30 in Guwahati. The clash is going to be interesting since the players' trade happened in October. Ravindra Jadeja came to RR while Sanju Samson went to CSK. 

The tournament schedule is only released for the first 20 games due to the elections. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla informed that the rest of the schedule will be announced after the election dates are released. Meanwhile, BCCI has confirmed that Guwahati will not lose matches this season despite elections. Guwahati is RR's second home ground.