In a stunning development that could reshape the Indian Premier League’s ownership landscape, Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer has reportedly placed a bid to acquire a partial stake in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

RCB have been exploring a change in ownership since the conclusion of the IPL 2025 season, a campaign that ended on a historic high with the franchise lifting its maiden IPL title. According to reports, Glazer is among the nine bidders who expressed interest, with his name now featuring on the shortlist of four contenders.

As per The Week, a consortium linked to Glazer has tabled a staggering bid of USD 1.8 billion to purchase a stake currently held by Diageo India Pvt. Ltd. The proposed deal would include ownership in both RCB’s men’s IPL team and the women’s side in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

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It is important to note that Manchester United would not directly own the franchise if the bid is successful. Glazer has entered the race in his personal capacity, despite his longstanding association with the Premier League giants.

Both RCB teams currently sit atop Indian franchise cricket. The men’s side, led by Rajat Patidar, are the reigning IPL champions, while Smriti Mandhana’s women’s team are the defending WPL title-holders. Overall, RCB boast three major trophies, the IPL 2025 title and WPL crowns in 2024 and 2026.

This is not the first time cricket franchises have attracted interest from the Manchester United ownership group. The Glazers already own and operate Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League, underlining their growing ambitions in cricket across the Asian market.

The move signals a broader strategy to expand beyond European football. Manchester United are currently reported to be the second-most valuable sports club in the world, with a valuation nearing €5 billion, while the Glazer family’s net worth stands at approximately USD 10 billion.

If completed, the RCB deal would mark one of the most high-profile cross-sport ownership moves in modern franchise cricket.