IPL 2026: Are KGF and Kantara makers Hombale Films considering buying RCB? Here’s what we know so far

THE Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise, fresh off their long-awaited inaugural premiere Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy, is currently the subject of a potential sale, making it a major talking point in Indian cricket. The team’s owners, Diageo India, have launched a formal strategic review of their investment, confirming the process could result in a sale or change of ownership.

Hombale Films linked with RCB sale after maiden IPL title

This announcement led to intense media speculation, with Karnataka-based production powerhouse Hombale Films, makers of KGF And Kantaremerging as a leading potential co-acquiror. The franchise’s valuation has reportedly soared to around ₹17,000 crore (USD 2 billion), placing it among the most valuable teams in the world. The official review is expected to provide clarity on the future team structure by March 31, 2026.

According to the Hindustan Times, the formal process for a potential change in ownership of RCB has been confirmed by United Spirits Limited (USL), the Diageo-owned subsidiary that controls the team. This process, called a strategic review, is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026, ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The immense popularity of the RCB franchise, especially after the title win, has pushed its valuation to around Rs 17,000 crore, making it a very valuable asset.

This high price point means any deal will likely be structured around investment consortiums, private equity and gradual exits. The sale has attracted interest from several high-profile bidders who have been linked to the potential acquisition, including the co-founder of Zerodha. Nikhil Kamath, Adani Group, JSW Groupdirector of the Serum Institute Adar Poonawalla And Devyani International. Ultimate control of the RCB men’s and women’s teams depends on the outcome of the USL review.

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IPL 2026: Local identity and proven track record of blockbuster success across India

The report further states that Hombale Films has emerged as the most discussed potential buyer, driven by its local identity and proven track record of blockbuster success across India with films like Kantara and KGF. The studio already has a real commercial connection with the franchise, having been RCB’s official digital content partner since April 2023, producing promotional and fan engagement videos.

This partnership fueled massive fan buzz and speculation regarding a hometown pride takeover. The potential collaboration carries symbolic weight, as both brands represent Karnataka’s modern identity, one through cinema, the other through cricket, which could strengthen regional loyalty. However, despite numerous media reports of preliminary discussions, plausibility is not the same as paperwork. There is no official statement from Homable confirming the negotiations, stake size or timelines, and no new regulatory filings from USL. The story is currently still just a rumor filling in the blanks, and the jump to Hombale buying RCB is still just that, a jump.

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