25-AUG-2025, 02: 25 PM
Fantasy sports giant Dream11, which has been one of the biggest sponsors of Indian cricket in recent years, is set to part ways with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This decision comes after the passage of the new Online Gaming Bill, which has significantly impacted the regulatory and financial landscape of online fantasy gaming platforms. The exit of online game marks a major development in the sports sponsorship space, especially considering the brand’s close association with Indian cricket over the past few years.
Dream11 : Journey with BCCI Sponsorship
Dream11 : Building a Strong Association with Indian Cricket
Dream11 has been a household name in India’s cricketing ecosystem, especially after becoming the title sponsor of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2020. Its partnership with BCCI not only elevated its brand visibility but also strengthened the growing fantasy sports culture in India.
From jersey sponsorships to ad campaigns, Dream11 played a pivotal role in bringing digital sports engagement into the mainstream.
Dream11 : Why This Partnership Mattered
The collaboration between Dream11 and BCCI symbolized the fusion of technology, sports, and entertainment. Cricket lovers across the country engaged with The sudden exit, therefore, marks the end of a significant era in cricket sponsorship.
Online Gaming Bill and Its Impact on
New Regulations Bring Challenges
The recently passed Online Gaming Bill has introduced stricter rules for gaming platforms, including higher taxation and compliance measures. Industry experts believe that such measures could reduce profitability and force brands to rethink large-scale sponsorship deals.
Why Dream11 Had to Step Back
Reports suggest that maintaining high-value sponsorship deals with BCCI would no longer be sustainable under the new policy environment.
What This Means for BCCI
Loss of a Major Sponsor
The exit of Online game as a top sponsor creates a sponsorship gap for BCCI, which will now be on the lookout for new partners to fill the void. With cricket being India’s most-watched sport, sponsorship rights remain highly lucrative, but the withdrawal of
Potential New Sponsors
Industry insiders suggest that consumer tech companies, fintech firms, or even FMCG brands might step in as new sponsors.
Fan and Industry Reactions
End of an Era in Fantasy Cricket Sponsorship
The news of Dream11 ending its sponsorship ties has sparked mixed reactions. While some fans feel it will not affect the love for the game, others believe Dream11’s campaigns brought a new dimension of engagement for cricket audiences.
Industry voices, meanwhile, have highlighted this as a turning point in the sponsorship landscape, warning that more online gaming companies could step back if regulatory pressures continue.
Conclusion
The departure of Dream11 from its role as a top sponsor of BCCI after the Online Gaming Bill marks a big shift in the Indian sports and sponsorship industry. While cricket will continue to attract brands, the move reflects the growing impact of regulatory frameworks on business decisions. For Dream11, the focus now appears to be on sustaining operations under the new compliance-heavy environment rather than maintaining high-cost sponsorships.
As BCCI seeks new partners, one thing is certain: Dream11’s contribution to making fantasy sports an integral part of cricket fandom will be remembered as a milestone in India’s sporting journey.
Source : ANI