As the sports market continues to evolve, its digital transformation is becoming increasingly apparent. From live streaming to data analytics, technology is redefining how sports are consumed, played, and celebrated in India. A key segment driving this evolution is fantasy sports which has emerged as a standout category, bridging the gap between fans and the games they love.
Fantasy sports is a rapidly growing market, with over 220 million users already engaged. It exemplifies how the digital economy is reshaping traditional sports consumption. By 2030, India’s fantasy sports market is expected to double, supported by increasing smartphone penetration, localised digital content, and seamless UPI transactions.
This surge in fantasy sports is also expanding into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, democratising access to online gaming. The demographic advantage of a youthful audience further fuels this growth. 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 states that 70% of fantasy sports users report enhanced understanding of games and increased viewing hours, showcasing the positive symbiosis between traditional sports and its digital extensions. 48% of fantasy sports users watch every game irrespective of the team or country. Further, 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. The Google-Deloitte report also highlights how technological advancements such as AI, cloud computing, and analytics are further enriching the experience, enabling innovations in talent spotting, game personalisation, and user engagement. These technologies ensure that platforms continue to evolve and meet the changing needs of users.
However, the industry is not without challenges. Regulatory ambiguities, concerns over gaming addiction, and financial discipline remain pressing issues. The Google-Deloitte 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.
This is a partnered post.
