SportzPower Pro Leagues Forum 2025 was held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Boundary Hall, MCA Recreation Centre, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai. The forum brought together league commissioners, team owners, investors, broadcasters, brands, venue operators, technology leaders, and policymakers to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping India’s fast-growing professional sports ecosystem. With the country emerging as one of the world’s most dynamic sports markets—spanning marquee leagues and rapidly expanding new-age properties—the event served as a platform for strategic conversations on the future of India’s league economy.
The second session, ‘The Business of Attention — Media Rights & Sponsorship Economics in Indian Sports’ focused on one of the most critical pillars of sports business—media rights, content value, and sponsorship economics. As Indian leagues compete for audience attention across television, digital, and social platforms, the discussion highlighted how rights, sponsorships, and content innovation shape the commercial trajectory of professional leagues.
The MC introduced the session and welcomed Subhomay Das, National Director – Entertainment & Sports, WPP Media, for a presentation on the evolving definition of “attention” in sports. Das outlined how audience behaviour, platform choices, and content strategies are transforming the business model of Indian sports leagues.
Following the presentation, a panel discussion was held with key industry stakeholders:
* Shishir Gupta, Head – Content Acquisition, Licensing, Programming Strategy & Insights, Sony Sports Network
* Shwetank Rewatkar, Assistant General Manager – Media & Partnerships (India & UAE), Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.
* Aahna Mehrotra, Founder, AM Sports Law & Management
* Moderator: Subhomay Das, National Director – Entertainment & Sports, WPP Media
The conversation began with Shishir Gupta reflecting on the dominance of cricket and the evolution of broadcasting in India, “Cricket is and will dominate the sports market as media rights holders try to make price corrections. We have been partners with IPL and other leagues. Franchise and league holders have done a commendable job as leaders. Sony has broadcast around 25 leagues, and the content quality has evolved to match international standards. Women’s sports are getting more sponsorships compared to earlier, and OTT plays an important role in broadcasting.”
From a brand perspective, Shwetank Rewatkar highlighted emerging sports and sponsorship trends, “Emerging sports are absolutely moving as companies put in significant investment. A major chunk of Bisleri’s investment goes into IPL, but we have also sponsored the Asian Surfing Competition. Women’s sports is no longer at the mid level.”
Aahna Mehrotra added insights on women’s sports, “There’s definitely potential in women’s sports. Money is now being allocated across games as people realise its growth potential. There’s been a shift in perspective regarding women’s sports.”
Moderator Subhomay Das steered the discussion toward investment opportunities and broadcaster expectations, “Where do you see the next 100 crores as an investment in sports? What do you seek from a broadcaster outside of money?”
Aahna Mehrotra emphasised regulatory balance, “Stringent guidelines are good, but emerging sports shouldn’t be penalised. We need to enable popularising sports while facilitating brand endorsements. A balance can be struck by both broadcasting and sponsorship.”
Shishir Gupta elaborated on broadcaster-brand dynamics, “Broadcasting is a give-and-take relationship. It’s always a combination of factors and not sold individually, including social media, television, or OTT. We partner and bring our expertise in marketing and promotions. Your business model should be clear—something beyond spending money.”
On supporting new leagues, Gupta added, “We look into the equity model and content quality. For example, we partnered with pickleball as an entity under Sony.”
Rewatkar highlighted broader sponsorship strategy, “From a sponsorship point of view, cricket followed by PKL engages fans the most. We look forward to football, women’s cricket, marathons, and the Tour de Thar. Content will be delivered through different windows.”
Aahna Mehrotra expanded on non-cricket sports, “Sony is partnered with marathons via Procam International. Broadcasting is a medium. We do a lot of non-cricket content, including football, tennis, and Olympic games. Some games or leagues have longer watch time on OTT than television. Money isn’t the issue, but everyone wants to show leagues like Box Cricket League or corporate leagues. Regional platforms resonate better with the audience.”
She further noted, “These are the same people who spend on merchandise and OTT platforms. This is why we protect sports from wrongdoing; the audience is more excited, and participation needs to be encouraged even at grassroots levels.”
Rewatkar added on content creation, “Bisleri invests not only to be part of the league but also to create content. We bring influencers on board, which is where our money gets involved.”
Shishir Gupta acknowledged operational challenges, “Having a consistent calendar is difficult for every league or game. Last-minute changes and venue issues are challenges, but the pressure keeps changing and we work alongside. Caring about sponsorship, franchise, and fanbase is important.”
Rewatkar concluded with practical advice, “Try not to speak through rulebooks. Deliverables are more important from a brand perspective.”
Mehrotra rounded off the discussion, “There’s a learning to be taken from other sports except cricket. E-sports also deserve equal attention and opportunity.”
The session concluded with the consensus that audience attention, combined with quality broadcasting and smart sponsorship, is the new currency in Indian sports, directly influencing investment, media rights, and the growth trajectory of leagues across the country.
