IPL Teams Face Massive Financial Hit After Fantasy Sponsorship Ban News24 –

Indian cricket is bracing for one of its biggest commercial setbacks in recent years. The government’s decision to ban real-money gaming has sent shockwaves through the sport, forcing Dream11 out as Team India’s jersey sponsor and threatening to drain thousands of crores from the cricketing economy.

Star Cricketers Set to Lose Crores

Some of India’s biggest names – Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and others – are likely to see a sharp dip in their endorsement earnings. Fantasy gaming platforms accounted for a significant share of their annual brand income. Now, with these deals gone, top players could collectively lose Rs 150–200 crore per year.

IPL Sponsorship Effect

The impact doesn’t stop with individual players. IPL franchises are also staring at massive revenue gaps. My11 Circle, which served as an associate sponsor of the league, paid Rs 125 crore annually to the BCCI. With three years still left in their agreement, the loss is substantial.

Franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, and Sunrisers Hyderabad are expected to lose an additional Rs 10–20 crore annually from fantasy platform sponsorships. Smaller tournaments, including Legends League Cricket and various state leagues, could face existential challenges without these funds.

Advertising Industry Hit Hard

The aftershocks extend to India’s advertising market, with experts predicting an Rs 8,000–10,000 crore dent annually. “Nearly 80% of revenue from real-money gaming ads will vanish. This will impact digital advertising and cricketers’ brand value significantly,” said Karan Taurani, Executive Vice-President at Elara Capital.

What Lies Ahead?

While the BCCI will likely secure new sponsors quickly, players and franchises face a long road to financial recovery. Endorsement strategies will need to be reworked, and brands may diversify beyond cricket to mitigate risks.

The Online Gaming Bill 2025 isn’t just a regulatory move – it’s a turning point for cricket’s commercial future, and the aftereffects are only beginning to show.