Manchester United Owners Plan for $1.8 Billion RCB Bid

Is IPL Heading for Its Biggest Franchise Deal Yet?

Let’s find out. The cricket world woke up to a surprising headline today - Manchester United’s owners are now in the race to buy RCB. Yes, the same Manchester that rules global football could soon have a stake in one of IPL’s most loved franchises - Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

And ever since this news broke, fans have been calling it a massive RCB bid in IPL history.

So, What’s Actually Happening?

Reports suggest that the Glazer family, the owners of Manchester United, have been shortlisted in the bidding process linked to RCB’s ownership discussions.

While the discussions are still going on, the interest itself has created serious concerns among RCB fans and the investors.

Why? Because this isn’t just another investor.

This is one of the biggest sports ownership groups in the world, looking at an IPL franchise. If the deal goes well, RCB could see a valuation anywhere close to $1.5–$1.8 billion, making it one of the most expensive teams in league history.

Who Are the Glazers?

For those who follow football, the Glazer name is instantly recognizable. The US-based family acquired Manchester United back in 2005 and has since overseen one of the most commercially powerful football clubs globally.

After Malcolm Glazer’s passing, ownership control passed to his children — including Avram Glazer (Co-chairman of Manchester United), Joel Glazer, Bryan Glazer, and Edward Glazer who collectively oversee the family’s business and sports investments.

Their investment approach typically focuses on:

• Scaling commercial revenues
• Sponsorships and broadcasting
• Merchandising and global brand partnerships.

These are precisely the areas where IPL franchises generate massive value, which makes the potential RCB connection strategically interesting.

Why RCB Attracts Such Massive Interest?

Some fans earlier used to question RCB’s valuation because the team hadn’t won an IPL trophy. But that narrative changed in IPL 2025, when Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally won the IPL and made history. That championship win has only strengthened RCB’s brand value.

A big reason behind the franchise’s massive popularity remains Virat Kohli, who continues to be the face of RCB and one of the biggest global icons in cricket.
So now, RCB isn’t just a fan-favorite team - they’re also IPL champions. That success, along with their strong brand value, is why investors are ready to place such a massive bid.

The $1.8 Billion Valuation Conversation

If negotiations progress, RCB is expected to command a valuation in the range of $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion.

That number might sound huge — but in today’s IPL economy, it’s not unrealistic.

Franchise values are driven by multiple revenue engines: central media rights distribution, team sponsorships, ticketing, licensing, and digital engagement.

RCB, with its massive fan following and brand pull, naturally sits in the premium bracket.

In fact, at the upper end of projections, RCB could rival or even exceed the valuation of some of the league’s most historically successful teams.

What Could Change If the Deal Happens?

If the Glazers do enter IPL through RCB, it would mark a rare cross-sport ownership crossover - football meeting franchise cricket at an ownership level.

Such a partnership could unlock new opportunities:

• Global merchandising collaborations
• Bundled sponsorship deals
• Shared fan engagement campaigns across continents.

It would also signal how seriously international investors now view India’s sports market.

Summary

Whether the Glazer-RCB discussions convert into a formal acquisition or not, the larger signal is clear: IPL franchises have firmly entered the billion-dollar global asset category. When the owners of one of football’s most valuable clubs explore investing in cricket’s biggest league, it reflects the growing convergence of global sports capital.

If successful, the transaction wouldn’t just reshape RCB’s future; it could redefine how international investors approach franchise cricket altogether.
 

Author: Komal Bhatt

Komal Bhatt is a finance content writer at InvestKraft, specialising in research-based articles on financial products, markets, and investment opportunities, including unlisted shares. She holds a Master’s degree in Commerce from the University of Delhi, providing a strong academic foundation in finance and business.

With over three years of experience in digital content, she focuses on simplifying complex financial topics into clear, accurate, and reader-friendly information. Her background includes creating content related to finance certifications such as wealth management and NISM programs, strengthening her understanding of financial markets and investor education.