Dream11 Withdraws as Team India Sponsor Amid New Gaming Bill

Dream11 has withdrawn as the primary sponsor of Team India after the government passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The deal was worth around Rs 358 crore and was valid until 2026. BCCI is now searching for a new sponsor ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.

Dream11, India's leading fantasy sports platform, has announced its withdrawal as the primary sponsor of the Indian cricket team following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The decision comes after the government banned real-money online games, including fantasy sports, under the new law. The sponsorship deal, worth around Rs 358 crore (approximately $4.1 million) and valid until 2026, has been terminated.

The new bill prohibits advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of such platforms, making Dream11's continued association with the Indian cricket team legally untenable. Dream11, valued at $8 billion, has been forced to comply with the law, which also stipulates that anyone offering money games after the law comes into force could face a jail term of up to three years and a fine.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is now in search of a new sponsor ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, which begins on September 9. The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, has stated that the board will not violate any laws enforced by the government or by any law of the country.

Dream11's decision to withdraw as a sponsor is not surprising, given the regulatory environment. The new law has significant implications for the fantasy sports sector, potentially affecting other sponsors and advertisers as well. The BCCI will need to secure a new sponsor before the Asia Cup, which could prove challenging in the current market conditions.

References:
[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/india-s-dream11-in-talks-to-end-cricket-sponsorship-due-to-new-gaming-law-report-says-ce7c50dbdf8af626
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/dream11-steps-back-as-team-india-lead-sponsor-regulatory-issues-125082400573_1.html