BCCI Terminates Sponsorship Deal with Dream11 Following Online Gaming Bill
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the termination of its sponsorship deal with Dream11, the largest real money gaming company in the world. The INR 358 crore deal has become untenable following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, making it illegal for the partnership to continue.
End of an Era
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the end of the partnership, stating, “BCCI and Dream11 are discontinuing their relationship after the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was passed. BCCI will ensure not to indulge with any such organisations ahead in the future.” This decision was inevitable with the new law making it illegal to advertise fantasy gaming.
The termination of the deal was a mutual decision between both parties, understanding the legal implications of continuing the sponsorship. Dream Sports, the parent company of Dream11, had signed a three-year jersey sponsorship deal with the BCCI in 2023, leaving the Indian cricket team without a jersey sponsor as they head into the upcoming Asia Cup in UAE starting on September 9.
Impact of the Online Gaming Bill
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, includes several key features that have led to the termination of the BCCI-Dream11 partnership:
- Complete ban on offering, operating, or facilitating online money games.
- Prohibition on advertising and promotion of money games across all forms of media.
- Restriction on financial transactions linked to online money games.
- Empowerment to block access to unlawful gaming platforms under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Following the enactment of the bill, banks have also taken steps to block transactions with gaming companies, further enforcing the new regulations.
Looking Ahead
With the BCCI now in search of a new jersey sponsor for the Indian cricket team, time is of the essence as the Asia Cup approaches. The board will need to secure a new partnership within the next fortnight to ensure the team has a sponsor for the prestigious tournament.
As the BCCI and Dream11 part ways, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see how this decision impacts both organizations and the future of sports sponsorship in the ever-evolving landscape of online gaming regulations.
New Opportunities for Jersey Sponsorship
As the BCCI embarks on the search for a new jersey sponsor, there is a unique opportunity for brands to align themselves with one of the most prestigious cricket teams in the world. The Indian cricket team boasts a massive fan base not only in India but also globally, making it an attractive proposition for potential sponsors.
Given the popularity and reach of cricket in India, securing the jersey sponsorship for the Indian cricket team can provide unparalleled visibility and brand exposure. With major tournaments like the Asia Cup and the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup on the horizon, the exposure for the sponsor would be substantial.
Evolution of Sports Sponsorship in the Digital Age
The termination of the BCCI-Dream11 partnership highlights the challenges that sports organizations and sponsors face in navigating the evolving landscape of online gaming regulations. As governments around the world introduce new laws and regulations pertaining to online gaming, sports entities and sponsors must adapt to comply with these changes.
This shift also underscores the importance of due diligence and foresight when entering into sponsorship agreements, especially in industries that are subject to regulatory changes. Sponsors and sports organizations must now carefully consider the legal implications of their partnerships to avoid potential conflicts in the future.
The Future of Sports Sponsorship
With online gaming regulations tightening globally, sports organizations and sponsors will need to explore new avenues for partnership and collaboration. Traditional sponsorship models may need to be reevaluated, with a focus on compliance with evolving regulations and alignment with changing consumer behaviors.
While the termination of the BCCI-Dream11 deal marks the end of an era, it also paves the way for innovation and creativity in sports sponsorship. Brands and organizations will need to adapt to the new normal, leveraging technology and digital platforms to engage with fans and consumers in meaningful ways.
As the sports sponsorship landscape continues to evolve, agility and adaptability will be key for brands and sports entities looking to forge successful partnerships in the ever-changing digital age.
By exploring the new opportunities for jersey sponsorship, discussing the evolution of sports sponsorship in the digital age, and looking at the future of sports sponsorship in light of changing regulations, the expanded content provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the implications of the termination of the BCCI-Dream11 deal.