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Google-Deloitte Report Unveils $130B Sports Industry Opportunity in India
by EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | November 19, 2024 | News
Google-Deloitte Report Deloitte Google
The Deloitte-Google report, Think Sports: Unlocking India’s $130B Sports Potential, provides an in-depth analysis of India’s growing sports industry. Currently valued at $52 billion and expected to reach $130 billion by 2030, the sector is evolving through increasing fan engagement, technological advancements, and innovative events.
Below are key insights from the report:
The Role of Events in Fostering Engagement

Sports Events and Fan Parks
Sports are increasingly becoming communal experiences in India. Fan parks, which bring live sports viewing to local communities, are gaining popularity, especially in rural and non-metropolitan urban areas. These localized hubs foster community bonding and increase access to live sports. Approximately 57% of fans express interest in attending fan parks, underlining their role in expanding the reach of live sports across the country (Page 51).
Expansion of Sports Leagues
New leagues and extended schedules for existing ones are amplifying fan engagement. The Indian Super League (football), Pro Kabaddi League, and the Women’s Premier League are attracting millions of viewers. These leagues employ tailored strategies, including digital engagement, community outreach, and marketing campaigns, to build loyal audiences (Pages 24–25).
Experiential Marketing: Transforming Fan Experiences

Personalization and Technology
Fans increasingly seek personalized viewing experiences. Features like custom commentary, selectable camera angles, and AI-driven content recommendations are becoming standard expectations. Around 30–40% of fans are willing to pay extra for these features, showcasing the shift toward tailored fan engagement (Page 49).
Digital and Off-Season Engagement
Digital platforms, particularly YouTube, play a crucial role in sports consumption. With 67% of fans consuming sports content online, non-live content, such as highlights, interviews, and documentaries, now accounts for 20% more viewing time than live sports. This trend underscores the growing demand for flexible, on-demand viewing habits, particularly among Gen Z audiences (Pages 48–50).
Sports Events as Economic Catalysts

India's sports sector contributes significantly to the economy. Employing 4.7 million people and generating $9 billion in indirect taxes, these numbers are expected to double by 2030 (Page 7). Broadcasting and promotions remain key drivers, with digital advertising witnessing a 63% growth in the past two years (Page 24).
Sports tourism is also gaining traction, driven by increasing disposable incomes and fans’ willingness to invest in live experiences.
Entertainment and Cultural Integration

Rising Popularity of Indigenous Sports
Traditional sports like kabaddi and kho-kho are seeing growing popularity, especially among rural and Gen Z audiences. Leagues like the Pro Kabaddi League and Ultimate Kho Kho are modernizing these sports and bringing them into the national spotlight (Page 42).
Women’s Sports on the Rise
Women’s leagues, such as the Women’s Premier League (cricket), highlight the rising interest in women’s sports. Women now constitute 36% of India’s sports fanbase (236 million), reflecting increased participation and viewership (Page 15).
Key Trends Shaping the Industry

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Technology Driving Fan Engagement (Page 24):
Advancements in AI and digital technologies are enabling personalized experiences, transforming how fans interact with sports content.
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Esports and Fantasy Sports Growth (Page 27):
Esports is experiencing rapid growth, with a 25% CAGR projected until 2030. Fantasy sports platforms, such as Dream11, are also expanding their user base due to increased digital adoption.
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Expanding Sports Infrastructure (Page 28):
Over $200 million has been invested in sports infrastructure by the government in the last five years. Private sector involvement is also addressing the demand for quality facilities, vital for grassroots and elite sports development.
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Economic Contributions (Page 7):
The sector is a significant economic driver, contributing to employment and tax revenues, with its socio-economic impact expected to double by 2030.
To read the Deloitte-Google report, click here.
According to the Deloitte-Google report, the industry, currently valued at $52 billion, is projected to grow at a 14% CAGR, reaching $130 billion by 2030.