Diageo Plc is reportedly considering selling a portion or the entirety of its stake in the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) according to a Bloomberg report. The company owns the team through its Indian subsidiary United Spirits Ltd and is said to be in the initial stages of discussions with potential advisers.  Although no final decision has been made the franchises valuation can reach up to $2 billion. Diageo or United Spirits has now made any official statement about the potential sale. IPL Ads The move has been taken after Diageo faces regulatory pressure from the Union Health Ministry to stop indirect advertising of alcohol during IPL. The company used to promote soda and non-alcoholic brands to maintain visibility  but now this strategy may not work after strict advertising norms. RCBs Valuation  RCB was earlier owned by Vijay Mallya. The team later was controlled by Diageo when they also  took over Mallya’s spirits empire. RCB recently won its first IPL title after 18 years of wait. Now its visibility and commercial value has been increased according to media reports.  The former captain Virat Kohli is one of the most followed athletes. Encashing his popularity and current win RCBs ranking has grown its market appeal on many  digital platforms. The potential sale comes as IPL franchise values are rising faster now due its rapid commercial growth which is now matching with the NFL and English Premier League in terms of influence and ad revenue. Diageo is also facing a decline in premium liquor sales in its global market the United States. They also have global cost pressures. Selling RCB which is a non-core part of its business can give them more funds and they can focus on its main operations.