Dream11 in talks with BCCI to exit ₹358 crore jersey sponsorship after gaming ban

Dream11 has initiated discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to exit its ₹358-crore jersey sponsorship cope with the Indian cricket workforce forward of the Asia Cup subsequent month, following the Union authorities’s ban on money-based on-line video games, together with fantasy sports activities, individuals conscious of the matter instructed ET.

The authorities’s newly enacted on-line gaming regulation prohibits the promotion, promoting and sponsorship of real-money gaming platforms. Dream11, which signed a three-year settlement with the BCCI in 2023, has indicated that persevering with with the sponsorship will not be possible below the brand new framework.

“Dream11 has started conversations with the BCCI to withdraw from the sponsorship contract. These are watertight agreements and cannot be exited unilaterally. It will have to be a mutual decision since the law of the land doesn’t permit advertising of banned games,” stated one of many individuals cited above.

Dream11 is amongst India’s largest advertisers. In FY23, its mum or dad firm, Dream Sports, spent about ₹2,964 crore on promoting and promotions, a 37% enhance over the earlier 12 months.

The new regulation is predicted to considerably disrupt the promoting market. Industry executives estimate that fantasy sports activities platforms collectively spend over ₹5,000 crore yearly on advertising and marketing and promoting.

Since the event comes simply forward of the Asia Cup 2025, which begins on September 9, the board has restricted time to finalise a brand new sponsor. However, on condition that the front-of-jersey sponsorship is likely one of the most profitable property in Indian cricket, trade observers consider the BCCI is not going to face issue in securing a substitute.The jersey sponsorship of the Indian cricket workforce has typically been seen as a double-edged sword. While it’s among the many most prized promoting property within the nation, corporations which have taken up the front-of-jersey spot have incessantly confronted regulatory hurdles, monetary pressure or reputational challenges quickly after signing on.This recurring sample has led some trade watchers to dub it the “jersey jinx,” with Dream11 now showing to be the newest in a line of sponsors caught in surprising headwinds after Sahara and Byju’s.The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, handed by Parliament on August 21, marks a landmark step to control the sector. The laws seeks to curb dependancy, monetary losses and social misery linked to money-based video games, whereas selling and regulating different types of on-line gaming.

The authorities stated the transfer underscores its dedication to safeguard households from predatory gaming platforms that thrive on deceptive guarantees of fast wealth, whereas steering the digital financial system in direction of safer and extra constructive development.