Copyright thehindubusinessline
United Spirits Limited (USL) has announced that it is considering a strategic review of its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), according to a regulatory filing by the company. USL announced that the process is expected to conclude by March 31, 2026. According to media reports, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla has been in talks with Diageo Plc regarding a potential acquisition of RCB. Strategic asset Praveen Someshwar, Managing Director & CEO, United Spirits Ltd, said in a statement, “RCSPL has been a valuable and strategic asset for USL; however, it’s non-core to our alcoholic beverage business. This step reinforces USL’s & Diageo’s commitment to continue reviewing its India enterprise portfolio to enable sustained delivery of long-term value to all its stakeholders, while keeping RCSPL’s best interest in mind”. RCSPL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of USL. RCSPL’s business comprises ownership of the “Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)” franchise teams that participate in the men’s Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Premier League (WPL) cricket tournaments hosted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) annually. According to the company’s annual report, in FY25, RCSPL reported a revenue from operations of ₹504 crore, which declined by 21 per cent, primarily on account of a lower number of men’s IPL matches played by RCB. During the financial year, RCSPL reported a profit of ₹140 crore against ₹222 crore in the previous financial year, primarily on account of a lower number of men’s IPL matches. However, following RCB’s win in June 2025, RCB surpassed Chennai Super Kings to emerge as the most valued IPL franchise at $269 million (up from $227 million). The company’s stocks closed at ₹1,451.00 on Wednesday, up by 0.22 per cent on 5 November. Published on November 5, 2025
