Summary
The fantasy sports giant Dream11 has made headlines once again, but this time for exiting one of the biggest sponsorship deals in Indian cricket. According to recent reports, Dream11 is not liable to pay anything to the BCCI after its INR 358 crore sponsorship deal came to an end, thanks to a legal clause protecting the brand in case of regulatory changes. This major development has opened the doors for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to hunt for a new title sponsor ahead of key tournaments like the Asia Cup and the Women’s World Cup.
Dream Eleven’s Record-Breaking Deal With BCCI
Dream11, valued at around USD 8 billion, had signed a three-year sponsorship contract worth INR 358 crore with the BCCI in July 2023. As part of this agreement, the Dream11 logo was prominently displayed on the front of the Indian men’s and women’s cricket team jerseys, making the fantasy sports platform one of the most visible brands in Indian cricket.
The deal was hailed as a landmark move, reinforcing the rising influence of fantasy sports in India. Dream11 also sponsors several IPL franchises, besides being the official fantasy partner of the Caribbean Premier League and the title sponsor of Smash, New Zealand’s premier domestic T20 competition.
Why Dream Eleven Pulled Out of the Sponsorship
The sudden exit of Dream11 from its contract with the BCCI comes in the wake of the newly introduced Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, passed by both Houses of Parliament and signed by the President last week.
This law criminalises online gambling and financing of such activities, with penalties including up to five years of imprisonment. Since Dream11’s core business model relies on paid fantasy contests, the platform announced the suspension of all its paid games in India, directly impacting its sponsorship commitments.
No Penalty Clause – Why Dream Eleven Walks Away Clean
Despite the premature exit, Dream11 is not liable to pay any penalty to the BCCI. The reason lies in a smartly drafted contract clause, which clearly states that if the sponsor’s core business is affected by any government law, the company would not be required to make further payments.
As a result, while the deal worth INR 358 crore has ended earlier than expected, Dream11 escapes without financial penalties.
A BCCI official confirmed to Sportstar:
“Their representatives visited the Board office recently and informed us that they are not in a situation to sponsor the teams anymore. There’s not much time left for the Asia Cup, but we are exploring options.”
What’s Next for the BCCI?
The timing of Dream11’s exit has forced the BCCI to act quickly, especially with the Asia Cup 2025 and the Women’s World Cup around the corner. The board is now preparing to float a fresh tender to bring in a new title sponsor at short notice.
For BCCI, this is more than just a commercial setback—it’s a chance to bring in a brand that can match cricket’s massive popularity in India and globally.
The Future of Dream Eleven in Cricket
While Dream11 has pulled out of its deal with the Indian cricket board, it is still unclear whether the company will continue its sponsorship of IPL franchises. Given its large presence in the cricket ecosystem, Dream11’s next steps will be closely watched by fans, franchises, and stakeholders alike.
Final Thoughts
The exit of Dream11 from its INR 358 crore BCCI sponsorship deal reflects the growing impact of government regulation on India’s booming fantasy gaming industry. However, the brand’s ability to walk away without financial penalties shows the foresight of its contract negotiations.
For Indian cricket, this opens up a big opportunity for another major brand to step in as the new title sponsor, ensuring that the game’s global dominance remains as strong as ever.
Note: All images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Dream Eleven end its sponsorship deal with the BCCI?
Dream Eleven ended its INR 358 crore sponsorship deal with the BCCI after the Indian government passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, which criminalises offering and financing of online fantasy games. Since this law directly impacted Dream Elleven’s core business, the company suspended all its paid contests in India.
2. Is Dream Eleven required to pay a penalty to the BCCI for ending the contract early?
No, Dream Eleven is not liable to pay anything to the BCCI. The sponsorship agreement included a clause stating that if the sponsor’s core business was affected by any government law, they would not be required to make payments or penalties.
3. How much was the Dream Eleven sponsorship deal worth?
The deal was valued at INR 358 crore (USD 43.6 million) and was signed in July 2023. Under this agreement, Dream Eleven became the lead sponsor of both men’s and women’s Indian cricket teams.
4. Will Dream Eleven continue sponsoring IPL franchises?
It is still unclear whether Dream Eleven will continue its sponsorship deals with Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. The company is yet to make an official statement regarding its future involvement with IPL teams.
5. What happens now for the BCCI after Dream Eleven’s exit?
The BCCI has already started its search for a new title sponsor. With the Asia Cup and the Women’s World Cup approaching, the board is expected to float a fresh tender soon to secure a replacement sponsor.
6. What is the current valuation of Dream Eleven?
According to Bloomberg, Dream Eleven is valued at around USD 8 billion, making it the largest fantasy gaming platform in India.
7. Does Dream Eleven sponsor any other cricket tournaments outside India?
Yes, Dream Eleven is the official fantasy partner of the Caribbean Premier League and the title sponsor of Smash, New Zealand’s premier domestic T20 competition.