Diageo begins process to exit cricket teams’ ownership

Diageo, the parent company of United Spirits Ltd. (USL) and owner of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teams in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Women’s Premier League, has initiated steps to divest its stake in the franchise.

In a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the company confirmed that it has begun a “strategic review” of its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Pvt. Ltd. (RCSPL), the USL subsidiary that owns and operates the men’s and women’s cricket teams under the RCB banner.

The review process is slated for completion by March 31, 2026, marking the close of India’s financial year. RCSPL is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of USL, which is in turn controlled by global spirits giant, Diageo.

The move signals a potential exit from one of the IPL’s most high-profile franchises as Diageo sharpens its focus on its core alcohol beverage operations in India.