Sports Business in India: Development of sports as business in country and its ecosystem

Yash Swaminarayan
Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University

Abstract: The sports industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Sport now is not only a game but it has been a billion dollars activity. Sports market revenue in the year 2015 was $145.34billion USD worldwide and it has been increasing every year. In terms of employment and revenue also sports is regarded as one of the largest industry globally. Similarly in India, it is growing sector with the introduction of many leagues such as in cricket, football, kabbadi, hockey, badminton, etc. The sports business in India is valued at Rs. 2400 crore. With this leagues getting success in India they also help in bringing or increasing Foreign Direct Investment in India. All these sports events attract corporate sponsors. Many multinational companies like Coca-Cola, Adidas, etc. sponsor Indian players. For example Sachin Tendulkar has been the face of Adidas India for last 15 years. After London Olympics success of Indian athletes, there has been increase in fan followings of Indian athletes that leads to increase in sponsorships and investment on Indian athletes. This paper discusses the effects of the sports leagues on Indian economy, especially how the country benefits from the foreign direct investment.

Keywords: sports business, employment and revenue, sponsorship.