Avram Glazer, co-owner of the legendary football club Manchester United, is among the shortlisted bidders looking to acquire the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the IPL 2026 season. A number of global investors are showing interest in buying these franchises. As per The State of Play, eight investors have made the shortlist for RCB, while five are in the running for RR.
The contenders for the Bengaluru-based team include Lancer Capital (owned by Avram Glazer), Manipal Group (Ranjan Pai), Adar Poonawalla of Serum Institute of India, Times Group, EQT Private Capital, Capri Global, Sanjay Govil (owner of Washington Freedom in MLC and Welsh Fire in The Hundred), and the private equity firm Premji Invest.
For Rajasthan Royals, the shortlisted bidders include Lancer Capital, Capri Global, Arizona-based tech entrepreneur Kal Somani, Sanjay Govil, and Times Group. According to the report, the estimated price for each franchise is expected to be close to the combined valuation of the two newest IPL teams—Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Gujarat Titans (GT), and could potentially exceed that amount.
The projected bid for RCB is estimated between $1.2 and $1.8 billion, while RR’s valuation is expected to range from ₹1.2 to 1.4 billion. The final bidding for the Bengaluru-based franchise is likely to take place in February, whereas Rajasthan’s process is reportedly scheduled for the first week of March.
Importantly, both franchises are also considering offering bidders the option to acquire 100% ownership.
RCB Hold Both IPL and WPL Titles
On the field, RCB is enjoying a historic period of success. The franchise currently holds both the IPL and WPL trophies. The women’s team clinched their second WPL title by defeating Delhi Capitals (DC) in the final of the 2026 edition. Previously, the men’s team ended their long wait by winning their maiden IPL title, overcoming Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 2025 final.
With the women’s team’s triumph, RCB became the first franchise ever to simultaneously hold both IPL and WPL titles, making them the reigning champions of both leagues.
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