Following their historic 2025 IPL title win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is reportedly undergoing a major ownership shift, with Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor rumoured to be joining the franchise. Reports suggest that as part of a strategic review by current owners United Spirits (Diageo), Kapoor is in advanced talks to acquire an 8 per cent stake in the team. The deal is said to involve a Rs 300 - Rs 350 crore cash investment for a 2 per cent share, while the remaining 6 per cent would be 'sweat equity' in exchange for his global image rights over the next decade.
While heavyweights like BlackRock and the Adani Group are also rumoured to be in the mix for the primary takeover, neither the actor nor the franchise has officially confirmed these reports as they approach the March 2026 deadline for the sale.
Ranbir Kapoor is already an established figure in the sports business as the co-owner of Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). His potential entry into cricket comes at a historic juncture for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who are currently the reigning IPL champions after clinching their maiden title in 2025. As they gear up for the 2026 season, the team faces the high-stakes challenge of defending their crown for the first time in their 18-year history. Led by captain Rajat Patidar and featuring the iconic Virat Kohli, the squad remains a powerhouse of talent and a focal point of intense fan expectation.
The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League is poised to usher in a new era of cricketing dominance, with the tournament officially scheduled to commence on March 26, 2026. This highly anticipated season will follow immediately on the heels of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, a prestigious global event co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka that is expected to leave the subcontinental audience in a state of high-octane sporting fervor.
As the international spotlight shifts from the World Cup to the franchise stage, IPL 2026 will see an expanded competitive format, featuring a grueling and expansive schedule of 84 matches. This increased volume of games promises to provide fans with more action than ever before, as the league's top-tier teams battle for supremacy over a two-month window.