India’s sports sponsorship market grew 12% to Rs 5,190 crore in 2015

The global sports market comprising infrastructure, events, training and manufacturing and retail of sports goods is estimated at Rs 37.8–44.2 lakh crore ($600–700 billion) in 2014, accounting for approximately 1% of the global GDP, according to The Business of Sports report by KPMG-CII.

The sports events market is estimated at Rs 5.1 lakh crore, while the sports retail is Rs 19.7 lakh crore, sports clubs is Rs 6.7 lakh crore and infrastructure at Rs 6.3-12.7 lakh crore. Currently, the potential value of the sports infrastructure market is estimated at Rs 80,000 ($11.9 billion).

When it comes to India, the sports sponsorship market grew approximately at 12% year-on-year in 2015 to reach Rs 5,190 crore. On air sponsorship is the largest segment in this and accounted for 51% share of the overall market, followed by on ground 19.8%.

Cricket still continues to dominate sports sponsorships in India with 51% share in on-ground sponsorships.

“The Indian sports sector is experiencing a sea change with all-round developments initiated by the government, the private sector as well as non-profit organisations. Increasing viewership, sponsorship and participation in sports other than cricket, a rising number of sports start-ups and the growth in rural viewership numbers are key trends driving the growth of this sector in India,” said the report.

The report further said that schemes and initiatives introduced by the government like the ‘Khelo India’ scheme is addressing the issues on infrastructure, talent scouting and training facilitation.

Besides this, private sector and non-profit entities are also increasing their contribution to this sector by organising more leagues and tournaments, grassroots development and backing talented sports men and women.