India’s $19 billion sports industry is projected to reach $40bn by 2030, according to a recent study.
KPMG’s ‘Sportlight – The Business of Sports’ report, developed in collaboration with Sportstar, identifies growth opportunities across key areas such as infrastructure, investment, manufacturing, and technology, while highlighting emerging trends in sports-tech, grassroots development, and the expansion of multi-sport leagues.
According to the report, sports goods manufacturing, currently valued at $6.7billion, is expected to reach $11bn by 2030, with major production hubs in Meerut and Jalandhar expanding through new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Infrastructure investment in sports, valued at $2.7bn, is projected to more than double to $6bn by 2030, supported by the operationalisation of over 1,000 Khelo India Centres and 100+ SAI Centres nationwide.
Per the report, while cricket continues to dominate, accounting for nearly 80% of India’s sports economy, other disciplines such as kabaddi, football, volleyball, and women’s sports are rapidly gaining commercial traction. Sports sponsorships in India surpassed Rs 16,633 crore ($2bn) in 2024, with non-cricket sponsorships growing by 19% year-on-year.
The sports-tech sector, valued at $1.6bn, is revolutionising athlete performance and fan engagement through AI, wearables, OTT streaming, and stadium modernisation. With IPL 2025 drawing over 450 million viewers across television and digital platforms, streaming continues to reshape consumption habits and expand audience reach.
Additionally, the rise of the athlete economy, sports tourism, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) is creating new revenue streams and employment opportunities across both urban and rural India, underscoring how the commercialisation of sport is becoming a key contributor to the nation’s broader economic landscape.
