According to Custom Market Insights (CMI), the India fantasy sports market size was valued at approximately USD 25.44 billion in 2022. It is expected to grow to around USD 28.98 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach nearly USD 72.06 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 13.9% between 2023 and 2030.

The CMI Intelligence Team highlights that the rising frequency of annual sporting events and professional leagues, such as the IPL T20, Vivo Pro Kabaddi League, and the ICC Cricket World Cup, has played a significant role in fueling industry growth. Alongside this, the increasing influence of media platforms, including YouTube channels, sports vlogs, blogs, television shows, and discussion forums where experts analyze player performance and upcoming tournaments, has further accelerated consumer engagement with fantasy sports in India.

India Fantasy Sports Market: Dynamics

In recent years, the India fantasy sports market has witnessed remarkable expansion, driven by multiple socio-economic and technological factors.

Key dynamics influencing the market include:

Increasing internet and smartphone penetration: The rapid proliferation of affordable smartphones and accessible internet connectivity across urban and rural India has been a crucial factor in the rise of fantasy sports. These digital enablers have made participation in fantasy leagues seamless, resulting in a sharp increase in the number of active users.

Dominance of cricket: Cricket, being the most celebrated and followed sport in India, has become the foundation of the fantasy sports industry. Fantasy cricket, in particular, enjoys the highest adoption rate, contributing a significant share to overall market revenues. The loyal fan base, coupled with India’s obsession with cricket tournaments, continues to boost user participation.

Rising disposable income: With the steady growth of disposable incomes, consumers are allocating more resources towards entertainment and leisure activities. This trend extends to fantasy sports, where users are increasingly spending on in-app purchases, platform subscriptions, and premium features that enhance their gaming experience.

Partnerships with sports leagues: Strategic collaborations between fantasy sports platforms and major leagues such as the IPL and Pro Kabaddi League have widened market visibility. These partnerships enhance credibility and attract more users while increasing engagement through promotions, brand endorsements, and integrated campaigns.

Supportive legal framework: The recognition and regulation of fantasy sports by Indian authorities have enhanced transparency and reduced skepticism surrounding the industry. Government legalization has strengthened investor confidence, attracted new funding, and built trust among users, ultimately helping the market gain mainstream acceptance.

In summary, the India fantasy sports market is expanding on the back of rising digital adoption, cricket’s dominance, improving spending power, league partnerships, and regulatory clarity. The sector is expected to maintain its momentum as existing platforms innovate further and new entrants introduce competitive offerings.

India Fantasy Sports Market: COVID-19 Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed but transformative impact on the India fantasy sports industry. On one hand, the temporary suspension of sports events led to revenue challenges, while on the other, the pandemic spurred new forms of user engagement and accelerated digital adoption.

Some of the key effects observed include:

Temporary revenue decline: The postponement and cancellation of major tournaments such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Indian Super League (ISL) directly impacted platform revenues. Fantasy sports operators rely heavily on such events to drive traffic, user participation, and advertising income.

Rise in user engagement: Despite event cancellations, users increasingly turned to fantasy sports for entertainment during lockdowns. Online leagues and contests provided a sense of community and social connection, offering much-needed engagement during periods of isolation.

Behavioral shift toward digital platforms: The pandemic significantly altered consumer behavior, pushing more users toward online platforms for leisure. Fantasy sports providers capitalized on this trend, acquiring new customers and expanding their digital footprint.

Recovery with the resumption of sports: The eventual resumption of tournaments like the IPL and ISL, albeit under strict health and safety protocols, rejuvenated the market. These events revitalized engagement levels, boosted revenues, and signaled the industry’s resilience.

List of the prominent players in the India Fantasy Sports Market:

Dream Sports Group
Mobile Premier League (MPL) (Galactus Funware Technology Private Limited)
11 Wickets.com (Ability Games Pvt. Ltd)
BalleBaazi
MyTeam11
MyFab11
Paytm First Games Pvt. Ltd.
Fantasy Power 11 and Head Digital Works Pvt. Ltd.
Halaplay
Cricplay
Fanfight
11 Wickets.com
Zapak
Sports Junki
My11Circle
Fancy 11
Ftoss
Livepools
Others

https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/india-fantasy-sports-market/