India’s Sports Market is Expected to Reach $130 billion by 2030, says a Deloitte-Google report

India’s sport sector is estimated to grow exponentially and could potentially touch US$ 130 billion by 2030. The expectation will be higher than the national GDP growth as it captures the digital innovation phase, an ever-growing multi-sport fan base, and increase in government investment. 

Released last week at an event in New Delhi, the report said a number of key factors were behind the sector’s rapid growth. India has 655 million sports fans-cutting across most demographics-with 43% of them belonging to Generation Z. The demand for more interactive and personalized sports experiences is further fueled by younger fans seeking out these experiences, especially digitally. Sporting activities are emerging as one of the major drivers of the economy; indeed, they have been perceived as a very powerful tool through which social change can be brought about, hence empowering youths and creating jobs. 

While cricket is India’s sporting giant, the report also focuses on the growth of other sports-including kabaddi with 120 million fans and football with 85 million fans. Interestingly, 90% of Indian sports fans now follow more than one sport, thereby creating new investment opportunities across disciplines. 

The shift to digital consumption is particularly notable among Gen Z fans, with 93% of them accessing sports content online. These fans are increasingly preferring on-demand, non-live content, spending 20% more time on it than live broadcasts. This trend is increasing the number of diverse fan demographics because 36% women and 59% live in rural areas. 

Further, the report also shows that the sports goods and apparel market in India has a great potential for growth. The growth will be double over the decade and reach to $58 billion in 2030. Sports technology, including AI-driven innovations related to fan engagement and operational efficiency, is going to touch up to a mark of $1 billion. 

E-learning platforms are further expanding access to sports resources nationwide, democratizing opportunities for talent development. 

Sports holds a lot of potential to become a huge driver of economic and social growth, and we’re working to encourage the trend, said Roma Datta Chobey, Interim Country Lead at Google India. She added: “From AI-driven personalization to immersive technologies, innovations transform the fan experience and create new opportunities for businesses to connect with India’s passionate sports audience.” 

Sports contribute to nation-building because of the unifying force it brings together, making Indians more resilient and inclusive, says Romal Shetty, CEO of Deloitte South Asia. He, however added, that filling gaps in infrastructure and accessing facilities equitably is one of the crucial challenges that need to be overcome to unlock its full potential. India can unlock new jobs, improve health outcomes, and further enhance the country’s stature on the world stage by tapping into its sports ecosystem through public-private partnerships. 

This is a moment that is so unique for India’s sports industry-from the most vibrant and vocal fanbase to full-scale digital transformation, this stage is set to unlock unprecedented growth and innovation opportunities.