Overview

• Former IPL chief Lalit Modi said on social media that Diageo has decided to remove Royal Challengers Bengaluru from its balance sheet and sell the franchise.
• Diageo declined to comment on the speculation, and United Spirits’ June stock exchange filing denying any sale talks remains the only formal statement on record.
• Media have referenced a June Bloomberg report on Diageo evaluating exit options for RCB, with outside commentary suggesting potential valuations around $2 billion or more.
• Coverage cites regulatory pressure on indirect alcohol advertising and legal scrutiny after the fatal victory-stampede in Bengaluru as possible factors discussed by observers.
• A Times Now article citing CNBC-TV18 claimed the team has been put up for sale with Citi advising and named Adar Poonawalla as a frontrunner, a report not confirmed by the owners.