India backs big sports spend

A Google–Deloitte “Think Sports” analysis estimates India’s sports market could expand to about US$130 billion by 2030 from roughly US$52 billion today and projects the sector could generate around US$21 billion in tax revenue and 10.5 million jobs. (economictimes.indiatimes.com) The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed Apollo Tyres won the Team India front-of-jersey rights with a reported ₹579 crore bid on September 16, 2025, in a two-and-a-half-year contract covering bilateral and ICC fixtures. (bcci.tv) Tech brands are entering high-visibility cricket partnerships: Google’s AI platform Gemini agreed a reported ₹270 crore, three-year sponsorship with the BCCI ahead of the 2026 IPL season. (economictimes.indiatimes.com) Franchise revenues are rising alongside league deals — Ambani-owned Mumbai Indians announced more than 30 brand partnerships and said sponsorship revenue climbed about 20% year‑on‑year ahead of IPL 2026. (economictimes.indiatimes.com) Conglomerates are pairing sponsorship with institutional ties: Adani Sportsline has an ongoing principal partnership with the Indian Olympic Association and served as a principal sponsor for India’s Paris 2024 Olympic contingent. (adanisportsline.com) Those commercial moves are being matched by event ambitions — the Sports Ministry and IOA say India is in “continuous dialogue” with the IOC over a 2036 Olympics bid, and Ahmedabad has been named as the anchor city for the centenary 2030 Commonwealth Games. (pib.gov.in) Analysts point to digital audiences and new properties as revenue engines: Google’s sports report cites an estimated 600–655 million sports fans in India and highlights fast growth in e‑sports (forecast near 30–35% CAGR toward ~US$1 billion by 2033) as part of the commercial rationale for increased corporate spending. (services.google.com)