The Online Gaming Bill 2025 has triggered a significant disruption in Indian sports sponsorship, with Dream11 withdrawing as the official jersey sponsor of Team India. This decision stems from the bill’s ban on real money gaming and related advertising, a crucial revenue source for platforms like Dream11. Dream11 had signed a three-year deal in 2023 valued at USD 44 million (Rs 358 crore), set to expire in 2026. The company’s exit leaves the BCCI searching for a new sponsor, particularly as the Asia Cup 2025 approaches. The industry invested heavily in marketing, with Dream11 alone spending nearly Rs 2,964 crore in 2022-23. The change may lead to a new era in sports sponsorships, potentially featuring increased involvement from traditional brands and international corporations. The impact of this shift will be felt across the entire Indian sports ecosystem.
