• India's sports market is predicted to reach $130 billion by 2030, driven by rising fitness culture, increased spending, and digital adoption.
• Roma Datta Chobey of Google India highlights the surge in multi-sport fandom and the growing popularity of digital platforms, especially among Gen Z. Despite challenges like the 28% GST on fantasy sports, CEO of Deloitte South Asia, Romal Shetty, sees potential for India to become a global sports leader.
• The future of India's sports market looks promising with advancements in AI and cloud platforms, offering opportunities for innovation and engagement.

India's sports market is on the cusp of a significant transformation, with a Google and Deloitte report predicting it could reach a staggering $130 billion by 2030. This growth, nearly double the pace of India's GDP, signifies a fundamental shift in how Indians consume and engage with sports. The report also forecasts the creation of up to 10.5 million jobs and $21 billion in indirect tax revenue by 2030.

The sports goods and apparel market is leading the way, expected to double in value to $58 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by a rising fitness culture and increased discretionary spending. The report also highlights the increasing government investments, a rising trend of multi-sport culture, wide digital adoption, and a range of quality sports content as key drivers of this growth.

The Digital Transformation of Sports Consumption

Roma Datta Chobey, Managing Director (Interim Country Lead), Google India, emphasized the pivotal moment for sports in India. She noted the surge in multi-sport fandom, the growing popularity of digital platforms, and deep engagement from Gen Z, who represent the largest segment of India's sports fanbase. These trends create a fertile ground for innovation and engagement, presenting unique opportunities for organisations and businesses to connect with passionate fans across the nation.

The rise of digital platforms has transformed sports consumption in India. Most fans now access sports content digitally, a trend that is even more pronounced among Gen Z, who make up 43 per cent of the fan base. They are driving demand for interactive, personalized experiences, engaging with their favourite sports even during off-season.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Indian Sports Market

Romal Shetty, CEO, Deloitte South Asia, highlighted India's potential to become a global leader in sports. He emphasized the unique opportunity to nurture talent from the grassroots level, reaching youth in every corner of the country, thanks to advancements in technology from AI to cloud platforms.

However, the report also acknowledges the challenges faced by the Indian fantasy sports industry. The imposition of a 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on player entry fees charged by popular fantasy sports apps has led to mass layoffs, shutdowns, and a funding crunch. The industry has seen a slowdown, which is likely to continue for the short to medium-term.

Despite these challenges, the future of India's sports market looks promising. With advancements in AI and cloud platforms, there is a unique opportunity to nurture talent from the grassroots level and provide opportunities for youth in every corner of the country. The digital ecosystem also offers immense potential to enhance the fan experience and advance the growth of the sports sector, especially with AI-driven personalisation and insights, immersive technologies, and greater digital accessibility.