The battle to take over the defending IPL champions just got a lot more interesting. Out of nowhere, US billionaire David Blitzer has joined the pack to buy a majority stake in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as of Thursday, February 26, 2026. Blitzer, who co-founded Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), has already started digging into the franchise’s books.
RCB sits at a jaw-dropping $1.8 billion valuation right now. Diageo, the current owner, wants out of its “non-core” sports properties after RCB finally clinched their first title in 2025.
With final bids due by mid-March, Blitzer faces serious competition. Avram Glazer, who owns part of Manchester United, and Indian vaccine mogul Adar Poonawalla are both in the race.
The IPL itself is now worth $18.5 billion, and Blitzer’s entry marks a huge moment for the sport as he’d be the first to own a stake in all five major North American leagues.
🚨 BLITZER BIDS FOR RCB & RR 🚨
– US Billionaire David Blitzer joins bidding war for RCB & Rajasthan Royals against Manchester United’s owner Glazer & Indian tycoons. (Reuters). pic.twitter.com/Hoz5f1xOlD
— Vivek (@vivek_sing7845) February 26, 2026
Who Is David Blitzer? The Man Behind The Bid to Buy RCB
David Blitzer isn’t simply a rich investor. He’s a giant of the worldwide sports industry. Being the Co-Managing Partner of HBSE and a senior executive at the private equity giant Blackstone, Blitzer has created a world-class portfolio around the world.
| League / Sport | Team / Property | Ownership Status |
| NBA (Basketball) | Philadelphia 76ers | Co-Managing Partner |
| NHL (Ice Hockey) | New Jersey Devils | Co-Managing Partner |
| English Premier League | Crystal Palace F.C. | General Partner |
| MLB (Baseball) | Cleveland Guardians | Minority Owner |
| NFL (American Football) | Washington Commanders | Limited Partner |
Why RCB is on Sale?
Diageo’s timing here is sharp; right after RCB lifts the 2025 IPL trophy with Rajat Patidar leading the charge, they put the franchise up for sale.
They’re cashing in on the “winner’s premium,” and it shows. RCB’s revenue has shot up 73% in just three years, hitting $56 million for 2024-25.
For someone like Blitzer, the real draw is the strength of the RCB brand. Even with new ownership, the heart of the team stays the same. Virat Kohli’s legacy, that giant “12th Man” fan army, all of it.
The only step left is BCCI’s stamp of approval, expected right before the 2026 season kicks off on March 26. That’s the last piece in this billion-dollar handover.
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