Think Sports: Unlocking India's $130B Sports Potential, a latest report by Deloitte and Google, predicts that the Indian sports market would experience significant transformation and reach $130 billion by 2030. This growth, which is expected to take place at a compound annual rate of 14%—nearly twice as fast as the GDP growth rate of India—signifies an important change in how sports are perceived and enjoyed nationwide. It is observed that the main drivers of this expansion are the rise in government sponsorship, the fortification of multisport culture, and the growing rate of digital platform adoption.

In addition to economic growth, the report notes that sport has the potential to have a significant social impact in India, where it might generate 10.5 million employment and $21 billion in indirect tax income by 2030. According to Roma Datta Chobey, Google India's Managing Director (Interim Country Lead), the Indian sports sector is at a critical juncture, with Generation Z being more open to new interactive technologies and platforms.

Roma Datta Chobey, Managing Director (Interim Country Lead), Google India, said, “This is a pivotal moment for sports in India and the report outlines a clear path to unlock the value of sports for the nation. We're witnessing a surge in multi-sport fandom, a 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. We see immense potential in leveraging the digital ecosystem to enhance the fan experience and advance the growth of the sports sector, especially with AI-driven personalization and insights, immersive technologies, and greater digital accessibility. We are excited about the opportunities to partner with the ecosystem to drive innovation and growth in the sector.”

The growth potential extends across various sports-related sub-sectors, including sports goods and apparel, projected to double to $58 billion by 2030. Digital technology is particularly transforming sports consumption, with 90% of fans following multiple sports beyond cricket, including Kabaddi and Football. Gen Z fans, who make up 43% of the fanbase, are highly active, spending more time on non-live, on-demand content than traditional live sports events, underscoring the demand for interactive and shorter-form content.

This comprehensive report combines data from Google, Deloitte, and consumer insights firm Kantar, offering strategic recommendations to stakeholders across India’s sports ecosystem. To know more, click here.