At FICCI FRAMES 2025, Ishan Chatterjee, CEO – Sports, JioStar, highlighted that the coming 5–10 years will redefine India’s sports economy – driven by fandom, technology, and inclusivity. Speaking at a fireside chat, he noted that the country stands at a major inflection point in its sports and media evolution.
“The next big wave will come from the rise of other sports in India,” said Chatterjee. “While men’s cricket remains strong, exponential growth will emerge from tennis, football, kabaddi, and even e-sports. When Indian athletes perform globally, fandom follows – just look at how Neeraj Chopra changed the narrative for javelin.”
Citing a Deloitte report, Chatterjee shared that India’s sports economy is projected to grow from $30 billion in 2023 to $70 billion by 2030. “To put it in context, Brazil stands at $6–8 billion and the UK at around $40 billion. India’s growth potential is unmatched,” he added.
He also underscored the crucial role of platforms in building inclusivity – especially in women’s cricket. “Broadcasters have a responsibility to give women’s cricket visibility, prime-time slots, and powerful storytelling. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is a key focus for us – not just as a business opportunity, but as a cultural priority that makes our sporting landscape more inclusive,” he said.
On the IPL, Chatterjee shared insights into its unprecedented scale: “During the last season, we reached over 1.1 billion screens across TV and digital. The challenge and opportunity ahead lie in deepening engagement – appealing to both the core fan who craves stats and the casual viewer who seeks entertainment, creators, or even crossover content like Motu Patlu for kids. That balance is what keeps the IPL ecosystem growing.”
Discussing JioStar’s vision and technological innovation, Chatterjee outlined a shift toward personalization: “India leads in tech adoption. Our goal is to make sports viewing a one-to-one experience – where two people can watch the same match but with different camera angles, commentary, and interactive features tailored to their preferences.”
He concluded by emphasizing that AI, vertical formats, and multi-cam viewing are already transforming fan behavior. “This is just the beginning. Over the next decade, technology will not only change how we watch sports – it will redefine how we feel connected to them,” he said.
