Dream11 leaves Team India's sponsorship just before Asia Cup 2025, deal was for so many years of Rs 358 crore
Dream11 Withdraws As Team India's Lead Sponsor: Dream11 signed a three-year sponsorship contract of Rs 358 crore with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2023, which was valid till 2026. Under this agreement, BCCI used to get Rs 3 crore for each home match and Rs 1 crore for each match played abroad. However, after the implementation of the new gaming bill, Dream11 has discontinued its paid contests, which has had a huge impact on the company's income.
Online gaming app Dream11 has made a significant decision to withdraw as the lead sponsor of the Indian cricket team just before the Asia Cup 2025. The tournament is scheduled to start in the UAE from September 9. The company's decision follows the recently passed Online Gaming Bill 2025, which bans real-money gaming platforms like Dream11.
Dream11 signed a three-year sponsorship deal worth Rs 358 crore with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2023, valid until 2026. Under this agreement, BCCI received Rs 3 crore for each home match and Rs 1 crore for each overseas match. However, after the new gaming bill was enacted, Dream11 stopped its paid contests, significantly impacting the company's revenue.
67% of Dream11's earnings came from the real-money gaming sector. This ban is a major setback not only for the company but also for Indian cricket and other sporting events, where Dream11 was a key sponsor. The company also actively participated in major tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Indian Super League.
The Online Gaming Bill 2025 aims to regulate the risks linked to real-money gaming, but it has had a substantial impact on the fantasy sports industry. A Dream11 spokesperson said, "We greatly valued our partnership with the BCCI, but under the new rules we had to take this difficult decision. We will look for new opportunities in the future."
The BCCI has not yet announced a new lead sponsor, but it is believed that the board will take steps in this direction soon. This change could mark a turning point for Indian cricket ahead of a major tournament like the Asia Cup.
