RCB: This Indian entrepreneur is among the top contenders to buy Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, is a leading contender to buy RCB. Bengaluru-based billionaires like Ranjan Pai, as well as Adar Poonawalla, are other contenders.
Last Updated: 07.54 PM, Nov 07, 2025
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise, fresh off clinching their first-ever IPL title after 18 years, is officially up for sale, sparking significant interest from some of India's heavyweight business leaders. Among the frontrunners to acquire the billion-dollar IPL team is Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, one of India's largest discount brokerage platforms.
Nikhil Kamat is the frontrunner to buy RCB
RCB's parent company, Diageo, has initiated a strategic review to potentially sell the franchise by March 31, 2026. This move aligns with Diageo's plan to sharpen its focus on its core alcohol business and divest non-core assets such as the RCB sports franchise.
The sale comes just months after RCB’s historic win that boosted its brand value and market appeal.
Industry insiders identify Kamath as a strong contender due to his financial capacity and deep ties to Bengaluru, a factor crucial for maintaining close connections with RCB’s passionate local fanbase.
Kamat is worth around $2.5 billion
Nikhil Kamath's net worth is estimated around $2.5 billion, according to Forbes, making him well-positioned for the hefty acquisition, with the franchise's valuation expected to exceed $1 billion, likely even higher in the wake of their recent success.
Joining Kamath in the race are other Bengaluru-based billionaires like Ranjan Pai, chairman of the Manipal Education and Medical Group, whose net worth approaches $2.8 billion, as well as Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, who boasts a net worth of over $20 billion.
Speculation has emerged about a potential consortium involving Kamath, Pai, and Poonawalla to jointly bid for RCB, combining financial muscle with local and national influence.
The local connection is seen as critical by analysts since the franchise's ties with the city and state political and social circles could facilitate smoother operations and sustained fan engagement. RCB’s brand alone is valued at approximately $269 million, the highest among the ten IPL teams, accentuating the attractiveness of the investment.
Adar Poonawalla had previously hinted at interest in RCB during an October social media post, describing the franchise as “a great team” at the right valuation, fueling speculation about his involvement.