India's Sports Industry Poised for Explosive Growth, Reaching $100 Billion Market by 2030
New Delhi: The Indian sports industry is on the cusp of a revolution, with a new report by Google-Deloitte predicting that it will reach a whopping $100 billion market size by 2030. Titled 'Think Sports: Unlocking India’s $130B Sports Potential', the report highlights how sports are emerging as a significant driver of socio-economic growth in India.
According to the report, the sports industry has the potential to create millions of jobs and generate tax revenues. The digital transformation of sports is also becoming increasingly apparent, with technology redefining how sports are consumed, played, and celebrated in India.
One key segment driving this evolution is fantasy sports, which has emerged as a standout category in bridging the gap between fans and the games they love. Fantasy sports has seen rapid growth, with over 220 million users already engaged. By 2030, the market is expected to double, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, localised digital content, and seamless UPI transactions.
The surge in fantasy sports is also expanding into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, democratising access to online gaming among a younger demographic. Gen Z, which constitutes a large portion of India's sports fans, is shaping new gaming habits and preferences. Their inclination towards gamified experiences and socialised gaming interactions makes platforms like fantasy sports particularly appealing.
The report highlights that fantasy sports users report enhanced understanding of games and increased viewing hours, showcasing the positive symbiosis between traditional sports and its digital extensions. Moreover, fantasy sports users for non-cricket sports have grown by 35% and female users have grown by 80% YoY, signalling FS's widening appeal beyond men and cricket aficionados.
The economic impact of fantasy sports extends beyond its users. The sector raised ₹15,000 crore in investments till 2022, while creating 12,000 direct and indirect jobs in the same year. Technological advancements such as AI, cloud computing, and analytics are further enriching the experience, enabling innovations in talent spotting, game personalisation, and user engagement.
However, the industry is not without challenges. Regulatory ambiguities, concerns over gaming addiction, and financial discipline remain pressing issues. The report emphasises the need for robust regulatory frameworks and responsible gaming initiatives to address these challenges.
Despite these hurdles, the inclusivity brought by multilingual content and affordable access is unlocking new opportunities, making the sector more resilient and adaptive. As India's sports industry continues to evolve and grow, it will be crucial to address these challenges head-on, ensuring that the benefits of the sport are shared equitably among all stakeholders.
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- "Fantasy Sports in India: A Growing Market with Endless Possibilities"
- "Digital Transformation in Indian Sports: The Future is Now"
- "The Economic Impact of Fantasy Sports on India's Economy"