Pinky Gandhi
Academic
Director
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Recent Posts by GISB Team
SBO The Landscape
The global sports industry is worth $700 billion, and India’s $52 billion sector is poised for rapid growth, driven by its large population and rising middle class. Hosting international events like the Commonwealth Games and ICC World Cup has positioned India as a sporting hub.
The rise of athletes beyond cricket icons, new leagues like ISL and Pro Kabaddi, and government initiatives such as Khelo India are transforming India into a multi-sport nation. With digital innovations and expanding opportunities, skilled sports management professionals are now essential to drive the industry’s growth.
Sports organizations no longer seek just ex-athletes. The industry now needs professionals who understand sports business and can merge knowledge with passion to drive long-term growth.
Growth of the sports industry in India
India’s sports sector is on track to reach $130B by 2030, growing at twice the speed of the national GDP
India’s sports industry has seen incredible growth over the past three years, largely driven by significant growth in multi-sports viewerships, participation in healthier lifestyles, discretionary incomes and digital adoption. These tailwinds have drawn investor interest in the sector, and as a result, boosted the sports economy.
The government has actively been uplifting India’s sports ecosystem. In 2024, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) saw its biggest-ever budget allocation, further boosting programs like Khelo India and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
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India’s sports sector is on track to reach $130B by 2030, growing at twice the speed of the national GDP
Source: |
India’s sports industry has seen incredible growth over the past three years, largely driven by significant growth in multi-sports viewerships, participation in healthier lifestyles, discretionary incomes and digital adoption. These tailwinds have drawn investor interest in the sector, and as a result, boosted the sports economy.
The government has actively been uplifting India’s sports ecosystem. In 2024, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) saw its biggest-ever budget allocation, further boosting programs like Khelo India and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
Source: 
|
| India’s sports market is likely to outpace more established industries and become a key sector by 2030
Worth an estimated USD 52 billion, India’s sports industry is now larger than other more established sectors, such as telecom. This growth debunks the perception that sports is a small, peripheral industry. Rather, it is a fast-growing, notable and sizable market that stands to become a significant contributor to the Indian economy in the medium term.
At a projected CAGR of 14%, growth of the sports sector is likely to outpace more established sectors, like automotive and tourism. The sports market started to pick up about 15 years ago with the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) ascent to mainstream popularity, but its long-term outlook is highly promising.
India’s sports market is likely to outpace more established industries and become a key sector by 2030
Source: |
| Worth an estimated USD 52 billion, India’s sports industry is now larger than other more established sectors, such as telecom. This growth debunks the perception that sports is a small, peripheral industry. Rather, it is a fast-growing, notable and sizable market that stands to become a significant contributor to the Indian economy in the medium term.
At a projected CAGR of 14%, growth of the sports sector is likely to outpace more established sectors, like automotive and tourism. The sports market started to pick up about 15 years ago with the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) ascent to mainstream popularity, but its long-term outlook is highly promising.
Your passion for sports deserves more than just a hobby. Make it a career!
