India sports economy surpasses $2 billion milestone in 2025

Key facts

• India’s sports economy reached Rs 18,864 crore ($2.1 billion) in 2025, reflecting a 13.4% year-on-year growth according to the 13th edition of WPP Media’s Sporting Nation report.
• Cricket accounted for 89% of total industry revenues, generating Rs 16,704 crore and contributing 95% of total media spends.
• The Indian Premier League (IPL) remained the primary growth driver, supported by the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and India’s Champions Trophy victory.
• Media spending was the largest sector at 51% of the total economy, with advertising investments rising to Rs 9,571 crore.
• Digital media spending increased by 24% to Rs 4,449 crore, while television spending grew by 16.4% to Rs 5,117 crore.
• Sports sponsorship spending rose to Rs 7,943 crore, representing 42% of the overall market value.
• Sports celebrity endorsements reached Rs 1,350 crore in 2025, with cricket accounting for 87% of this value at Rs 1,178 crore.
• The industry has nearly doubled in size from Rs 9,530 crore in 2021, recording a compound annual growth rate of 18.6% over four years.