BENGALURU, India (Diya TV) — Indian American businessman Sanjay Govil is emerging as a top contender to buy the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions. The potential deal comes as the current owner, multinational beverage giant Diageo, seeks to offload its cricket assets.
Diageo, which also owns RCB’s women’s team in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), confirmed in a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) that it is reviewing its investment in RCB. The review is expected to conclude by March 2026. Sources say the company plans to focus on its core business and exit sports ownership.
RCB, valued at $2 billion, will likely have a new owner for the 2026 IPL and WPL seasons. The news has drawn attention from several prospective buyers, but Govil is considered one of the frontrunners, according to a report in The Telegraph.
Sanjay Govil is the founder and chairman of Infinite Computer Solutions, a global technology platform and digital engineering services company launched in 1999. He is also the founder and CEO of Zyter, a CPaaS-based platform that focuses on digital health and connected enterprise technology.
Govil earned his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from Auburn University. He holds advanced degrees from Syracuse University and the Wharton School of Business. He has worked with major corporations, including IBM and Verizon.
In addition to his tech ventures, Govil has a deep involvement in cricket. He is the lead investor and owner of the Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket (MLC). He also owns 49% of the Welsh Fire franchise in the UK’s 100-ball cricket competition, The Hundred. The remaining 51% is held by Glamorgan Cricket Club. Govil bought his stake in Welsh Fire for £33 million.
“Fire and Freedom do not comment on specific cases,” Glamorgan chairman Mark Rhydderch-Roberts told The Telegraph. “However, we are in the business of owning, operating, and developing global cricket franchises. We note current structural trends towards consolidation in global cricket assets and intend to fully participate in that process while creating value for our shareholders.”
Royal Challengers Bengaluru has a long history in the IPL. When the league began in 2008, RCB was the second-most expensive team. Vijay Mallya, the then-chairman of United Spirits Ltd., paid $111.6 million to acquire the franchise. In 2016, Mallya lost ownership after financial troubles, and Diageo, the British distiller and parent company of United Spirits, became the sole owner.
This year, RCB ended its 17-year title drought, making the team an even more attractive asset for potential buyers. The franchise is currently one of the most valuable in global cricket, reflecting its growing fan base and commercial potential. Diageo’s decision to review its investment aligns with its broader business strategy. The company aims to concentrate on its alcoholic beverage portfolio and reduce exposure to sports. The formal process of selling RCB is expected to conclude by March 2026, according to SEBI filings.
The IPL and WPL have become major global sports brands, and owning a franchise offers both financial and strategic benefits. Govil’s experience with cricket in the U.S. and the UK positions him as a strong candidate to lead RCB into its next chapter. Fans can expect changes in management and operations once a new owner takes over. Govil’s track record in technology and cricket investments suggests he may bring innovation and global connections to the team. With RCB’s popularity and recent success, the franchise could see enhanced sponsorships, partnerships, and fan engagement under new ownership.
