India is witnessing a remarkable shift in its sporting landscape. What was once a cricket-dominated culture is now expanding into a full-fledged multi-sport ecosystem.
According to a joint report by Deloitte and Google titled “Think Sports: Unlocking India’s $130B Sports Potential”, India’s sports market, currently at $52 billion, is expected to grow to $130 billion by 2030, accelerating at a CAGR of 14%—nearly double the rate of India’s GDP growth.
This boom is not just about players and stadiums. The industry encompasses everything from sporting goods and apparel to nutraceuticals, tech, and sponsorships. Core sectors are expected to reach $71 billion and allied ones $59 billion by 2030.
Cricket Still Rules the Game
Cricket, unsurprisingly, remains India’s sporting heartbeat. The IPL alone is valued at around $12 billion. The league’s media rights were sold for $6.2 billion for four seasons, and team revenues are soaring. RCB saw a 19% growth in income in FY24, while all teams reported earnings between ₹664–776 crore.
Kabaddi: The Surprise Star
Once seen as a rural pastime, kabaddi has emerged as prime-time gold. The Pro Kabaddi League now boasts over 208 million fans. Star Sports secured its media rights for ₹180 crore annually, and brands like Vivo and Tata Motors have jumped in.
Football’s Steady Rise
The Indian Super League has brought structure and visibility to football. Viewership hit 167 million in 2019, and the league saw a 46% growth in title sponsorships from 2020 to 2023. Global investors like City Football Group are betting big on Indian football.
Hockey and Badminton Fight Back
Hockey’s Olympic resurgence and Odisha’s ₹150 crore push have rekindled interest. Badminton, fuelled by PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, continues to climb in popularity.
Government’s Game Plan
With a budget of ₹3,794 crore for 2025-26, schemes like Khelo India and TOPS are nurturing talent and winning medals. In fact, 75% of India’s 2024 Olympic medals came from athletes supported by TOPS.
India is not just watching sports, it’s building an industry around it.
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