IPL 2025 drives record growth for India’s fantasy sports industry
Fantasy gaming platforms are experiencing their most lucrative season to date, with industry revenue projected to hit between $500 million and $525 million during IPL 2025. This explosive growth underscores the Indian Premier League’s evolving role—not just as a cricket tournament, but as a commercial engine fueling India’s booming fantasy sports and sports-tech ecosystem.
“Massive driver of growth” as industry hits $500M+
“The fantasy sports industry in India continues to see impressive growth, driven by the country’s deep passion for cricket, increased smartphone penetration, and affordable internet. While specific figures for IPL 2025 are still emerging, projections indicate a revenue boost of 25–30%, with earnings estimated between $500 million and $525 million,” said Roland Landers, CEO of All India Gaming Federation (AIGF).
“The IPL has become more than just a cricketing event—it’s a massive driver of growth for the fantasy sports industry. Every season, we see record-breaking engagement, and IPL 2025 is set to push those numbers even higher, with platforms continuing to attract millions of new users,” he added.
“Fans who start with IPL often stay engaged with different sports and even explore other competitive gaming experiences, making this more than just a seasonal trend—it’s shaping a broader, year-round gaming ecosystem.”
Ad spending surges as platforms battle for new users
This growth is being powered by massive marketing outlays. Fantasy gaming brands have increased their IPL 2025 advertising spend by 50–60% compared to last year, with companies like Dream11, My11Circle, and Mobile Premier League (MPL) leading the charge.
“Gaming and fantasy gaming brands not only spend on advertising on IPL, both on-air television and online, but are also aggressive in their bids for on-ground sponsorships. To top it all, they associate with the teams to ensure they have an all-round presence across touchpoints for IPL,” says Srinivas Rao, Chief Investment Officer, Wavemaker India.
“For fantasy gaming brands, IPL serves the purpose of both customer acquisition and retention. Since their business revolves around creating teams every day, depending on that day’s match, it helps in customer retention, and with IPL’s scale, the objective of broad-basing the audience works out easily with its sheer reach. For other gaming brands, IPL majorly helps in customer acquisition,” Rao explained.
Retention vs acquisition: striking the balance
Category leader Dream11 sees the IPL as both a challenge and opportunity.
“While brand awareness is high, acquisition still requires strategic effort. In a competitive market, we focus on differentiation, ensuring new users see Dream11 as the most engaging fantasy sports platform,” says Vikrant Mudaliar, CMO, Dream11.
“Retention is equally crucial. Our goal isn’t just to onboard users for one match but to keep them engaged season after season. We achieve this through tailored promotions, personalised engagement initiatives, and consistently delivering the best second-screen experience for sports fans,” he added.
“Fantasy sports are about competing with friends, creating dream teams, and earning bragging rights. During a high-impact property like the IPL, this sentiment grows manifold — and Dream11 maximises its potential to the fullest.”
My11Circle and MPL push fan-first strategies
Other platforms are leaning into this trend.
“Last year, we saw remarkable growth, with over 50% more teams created in the first two weeks and a 50% increase in mega prize winners. This IPL, we anticipate building on that momentum, further strengthening My11Circle’s position in the fantasy sports arena,” said Saroj Panigrahi, COO of Games24x7.
“My11Circle’s five-year partnership as the associate partner of the Tata IPL allows us to build further on the immense enthusiasm for cricket in India, connecting with millions of passionate fans. Our comprehensive 360-degree marketing strategy – encompassing strategic partnerships both on and off field, including TV, digital, and beyond—is designed to amplify our brand and enhance user engagement throughout the IPL season,” added Panigrahi.
“Fantasy sports have provided this audience a more engaging and immersive way to actively participate in the sport and see their favourite players perform well, taking fan engagement to a whole new level,” said Namratha Swamy, COO of Mobile Premier League (MPL). “Our goal is to create a complete and secure gaming destination that keeps users entertained year-round,” added Swamy.
Fantasy sports powering the wider sports-tech ecosystem
The fantasy boom is also reshaping India’s broader sports technology landscape.
“India’s sports technology ecosystem is at an inflection point, with the market projected to grow at a 13% CAGR to INR 49,500 crore by FY29,” said Prashanth Rao, Partner, Deloitte India.
“Fantasy Sports continues to be a key driver in this evolution, fostering deeper engagement and community building while also contributing significantly to employment generation and economic impact, with the industry expected to post a CAGR of 7% until FY29 and create 17,500 direct and indirect new jobs by FY27,” he added.
“The sports technology industry in India is poised to unlock new levels of athletic excellence, fan engagement, and overall growth in the sports industry. It can be a critical lever in elevating the sports experience for both the fans and athletes,” said Joy Bhattacharjya, Director General, Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS) and CEO of GT20.
IPL 2025 solidifies fantasy sports as a cornerstone of India’s sports business
As IPL 2025 unfolds, the surge in fantasy sports investment, innovation, and user participation is reshaping not just gaming—but the future of sports business in India. With rising ad spends, evolving user strategies, and increased year-round engagement, fantasy platforms are becoming permanent pillars in India’s digital sports economy.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
