In 2025, the Indian sports industry saw a 13.4% growth, with traditional brands stepping in to offset losses from the regulatory ban on Real Money Gaming. According to the ‘Sporting Nation’ report by WPP Media, the industry size has doubled over the last four years to ₹18,864 crore ($2.13 bn), with cricket dominating the growth at 89%. Media spends, especially in digital advertising, have played a significant role in this growth.
Sponsorships have also seen a rise, reaching ₹7,949 crore with cricket sponsorships doubling over four years. Apollo Tyres and Google have entered the sponsorship arena, replacing Dream 11 as Indian team sponsors and My11Circle as IPL sponsors respectively. The success of Indian teams in various tournaments has boosted investor sentiment in sponsorships.
The IPL remains a key driver of sponsorship revenue, with team sponsorships surpassing the ₹1000 crore mark for the first time. Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Chennai Super Kings lead in sponsorship earnings, followed by Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans. The IPL’s popularity has attracted a diverse range of sponsors from different industries.
Overall, the sponsorship revenue in the IPL is expected to continue growing, with team earnings from media rights significantly higher. Vinit Karnik, MD of WPP Media, emphasized the IPL’s importance as the backbone of Indian sports commerce, showcasing the willingness of sponsors to invest in impactful properties.
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