Online Gaming Bill Forces Dream11 to Withdraw Sponsorship from Team India

The sponsorship deal between Dream11 and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been cut short due to the implementation of the Online Gaming Bill 2025. The bill, which bans real money gaming and related advertising, has forced fantasy sports companies to reassess their operations. Dream11, the official jersey sponsor of Team India since 2023, was committed to a USD 44 million (Rs 358 crore) deal that was supposed to last until 2026. The new legislation has rendered this financial commitment unsustainable. The impact on the industry has been substantial, with platforms collectively spending over Rs 5,000 crore annually on marketing. Dream11 alone invested nearly Rs 2,964 crore in 2022-23. The BCCI faces the challenge of finding a new sponsor to match Dream11’s investment, with the Asia Cup 2025 looming. This shift may lead to greater participation from traditional brands in sports sponsorships.