Google’s AI platform Gemini has secured a three-year IPL sponsorship deal worth ₹270 crore, marking a significant entry into Indian cricket advertising. The partnership comes after rival ChatGPT signed a two-year Women’s Premier League sponsorship valued at ₹16 crore late last year.
This AI-driven sponsorship wave fills the void created by the government’s ban on real-money gaming platforms, which removed approximately ₹7,000 crore from India’s sports advertising market. The deal grants Gemini visibility across pitch-side hoardings and media backdrops throughout the tournament.
AI Replaces Gaming Sponsors
The timing of AI companies entering cricket sponsorships is strategic. With real-money gaming and fantasy sports platforms banned, a massive advertising gap emerged in Indian sports.
AI platforms are now stepping in to claim premium sponsorship positions that were previously dominated by gaming apps. Industry estimates suggest AI companies will collectively invest over ₹300 crore on cricket sponsorships this year, excluding additional television and digital advertising spends.
Massive Reach Drives Investment
Cricket AustraliaThe IPL’s enormous viewership makes it an attractive platform for AI brands seeking market penetration. The 2025 IPL season reached approximately one billion viewers across television and digital platforms, with some reports placing the combined reach at 1.19 billion.
This unmatched audience access is crucial for AI platforms like Gemini and ChatGPT as they compete for dominance in India, recognized as a key growth market for AI adoption.
Cricket’s New Commercial Era
The Gemini deal reflects cricket’s evolving sponsorship landscape. Beyond the IPL, Gemini also served as a global partner for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2025, demonstrating AI platforms’ commitment to cricket across formats. With India’s women’s cricket gaining momentum following their recent World Cup victory, these properties offer brands access to highly engaged audiences.
As AI companies vie for visibility in India’s competitive market, cricket sponsorships provide the perfect vehicle for building brand recognition and driving user adoption at scale.
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