Reports: RCB receives ownership bid from Manchester United co-owner

In an eye-catching development, Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer has bid for a partial ownership stake in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise. Notably, RCB has been seeking a change in ownership since the conclusion of the Indian Premier League's 2025 season, where the side also lifted its maiden title in competition. 

If the reports are to be believed, Manchester United, one of the most popular football clubs globally, have bid a whopping USD 1.8 billion to obtain a stake in the franchise's ownership, which will be diverted from current owners Diageo India Pvt. Ltd. Glazer, who was one among the nine bidders, is among the four shortlisted names to take up the share.

As per a report from The Week, the ownership will include a stake in both the men's and women's franchises in the IPL and the Women's Premier League, respectively. It is noteworthy to mention that Manchester United will not be directly holding the ownership if they win the bid, since it is Avram Glazer who has applied in his personal capacity.

Notably, both the teams are the current defending champions in the respective leagues, with Rajat Patidar and Smriti Mandhana holding the captaincy badges. In total, RCB have three championships to their name – two in the WPL (2024 and 2026) and one in the IPL (2025).

This is, however, not the first time that a cricket team has attracted interest from the Manchester club. They already own and operate the Islamabad United franchise in the Pakistan Super League, which is one among the eight teams in the marquee 20-over league in the neighbouring nation. This does indicate that the United owners are keen on expanding their footprint from European football to cricket in Asia.