Sports startups in India are changing the way people engage with fitness, gaming, and sports. From digital coaching to fantasy gaming and fitness tracking, this sector is booming with innovation and energy.
These sports startups in India are attracting significant investments, generating jobs, and providing fans with new ways to connect, compete, and stay active.
With AI-driven tools, streaming platforms, and gamified experiences, India’s sports-tech space is growing fast.
This article examines the leading sports startups in India, their core focus areas, key challenges, and the opportunities that lie ahead in this dynamic digital sports journey.
Sports Startups in India (2025): At a Glance
India’s sports startups are using technology to make sports more fun, active, and accessible for everyone.
| Startup Name | Sport Focus | Founded | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dream11 | Fantasy Sports | 2008 | Mumbai |
| MPL | E-sports & Casual Gaming | 2018 | Bengaluru |
| WinZO | Vernacular Gaming (Real-Money) | 2018 | New Delhi |
| My11 Circle | Real-Money Gaming | 2019 | Mumbai |
| Sportskeeda | Sports & Esports Content | 2009 | Bengaluru |
| FanCode | Sports Streaming & E-Commerce | 2019 | Mumbai |
| Fitpass | Fitness Memberships | 2015 | New Delhi |
| Footrax | GPS Sports Wearables | 2017 | Ahmedabad |
| KheloMore | Youth Training & Booking Platform | 2016 | Mumbai |
| Playo | Community & Sports Facility Booking | 2014 | Bengaluru |
Sports Startups In India: Detailed Information
Sports startups in India range from fantasy apps to local booking platforms, each meeting different sports needs.
1. Dream11
Fantasy sports have gained massive popularity in India, and Dream11 sits at the center of this trend.
It lets users create virtual teams for cricket, football, and more, with entry fees starting from ₹5.
Founded by Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth in 2008, Dream11 became India’s first gaming unicorn.
With over 200 million users and a valuation of around ₹65,000 crore , it stands as a leader in the country’s booming fantasy sports industry.
2. MPL (Mobile Premier League)
Fantasy and casual mobile gaming is booming in India, and MPL (Mobile Premier League) stands at the forefront.
It offers over 60 games from arcade and puzzles to fantasy sports, with entry fees varying by game and cash prizes.
Founded in Bengaluru in 2018 by Srinivas Kiran Garimella and Shubham Malhotra, MPL has over 90 million registered users.
The company became India’s second gaming unicorn in 2021, with a valuation of around ₹19,000 crore.
Celebrity cricketer Virat Kohli is among its brand ambassadors, helping to drive its rapid growth.
3. WinZO
Gaming is reaching new audiences across India, and WinZO is leading the charge in regional and vernacular gaming.
The platform offers a wide range of games in multiple Indian languages, making it easy for users from tier-2 and tier-3 cities to play and compete.
Founded in 2018 in New Delhi by Paavan Nanda and Saumya Singh Rathore, WinZO focuses on accessibility and local language support.
By connecting with diverse linguistic communities, it has become a popular choice for millions looking for fun, skill-based gaming in their own language.
4. My11Circle
One of the most popular real-money gaming platforms in India is My11Circle, known for its unique “Beat the Expert” contests where users can challenge cricket legends.
The platform allows players to create fantasy teams and win cash prizes based on real match performances.
It is operated by Games24x7 and was launched in 2019 by Bhavin Pandya and Trivikraman.
With former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly as its brand ambassador, My11Circle quickly gained popularity for its competitive gameplay and strategic depth.
5. Sportskeeda
Founded in 2009 by Porush Jain in Bengaluru, Sports Keeda offers in-depth coverage of cricket, esports, football, MMA, and more.
It caters to diverse audiences with news, analysis, and live updates across multiple languages and formats, becoming a trusted source for sports fans in India and beyond.
In 2019, Nazara Technologies acquired a 67% stake for ₹44 crore and later increased its holding.
With over 80 million monthly users and recent global expansion, including a U.S. subsidiary and acquisition of Pro Football Network, the platform continues to grow as a key player in digital sports media.
6. FanCode
Launched in 2019 as part of Dream Sports, FanCode offers a personalized sports viewing and shopping experience.
It provides live streaming, match highlights, and expert insights across sports like cricket, football, and basketball, all in an ad-free environment.
Co-founded by Yannick Colaco, FanCode serves over 20 million users. Alongside streaming, it also sells official team merchandise and fan gear, making it a one-stop platform for sports content and commerce in India.
7. Fitpass
Making fitness more flexible and accessible, Fitpass offers nationwide gym access, AI-based coaching, and personalized nutrition plans through a single app.
Users can work out at multiple locations and follow expert wellness routines tailored to their goals.
Founded in 2015 by siblings Akshay and Arushi Verma in New Delhi, Fitpass has raised approximately ₹32 crore in funding.
It now partners with over 7,500 fitness centers across India, helping people stay fit without being tied to one gym or routine.
8. Footrax
Founded in Ahmedabad in 2017, FootRax focuses on bringing performance analytics to athletes at all levels.
It develops GPS-enabled wearables that track movement, speed, and on-field performance in real time.
By offering affordable and easy-to-use devices, Footrax helps young players and professionals alike improve their game through data-driven insights.
9. KheloMore
Connecting players with accessible sports spaces, Khelmore makes it easy to find and book nearby venues through its “Pay and Play” model.
It simplifies how individuals and teams discover places to practice and play regularly.
Founded in 2016 by former cricketer Jatin Paranjape and Ujwal Deole, KheloMore has expanded its reach across multiple cities.
With around ₹16 crore in Pre-Series A funding, it continues to improve local sports access for casual and aspiring athletes alike.
10. Playo
Encouraging active lifestyles,Playo helps users book sports venues, find teammates, and join local games with ease.
It supports a wide range of sports and fosters community-driven play through real-time scheduling and social features.
Founded in 2014 by five co-founders including Amit Kumar Roushan and Gauravjeet Singh in Bengaluru, Playo has grown to over 1 million users across India and the UAE.
By making it simple to connect and play, the platform continues to build strong recreational sports communities.
What Are the Key Focus Areas for Sports Startups In India?
Sports startups in India focus on five key areas, utilizing technology to enhance the experience of playing, watching, and enjoying sports.
- Fantasy Sports & Real-Money Gaming
Platforms like Dream11 and MPL let users turn live matches into interactive games. People can test their sports knowledge and win real money through skill-based contests.
- Fitness & Wellness Platforms
Startups like Fitpass offer online coaching, fitness tracking, and flexible gym access. These tools make it easier and more affordable for people, especially in cities, to stay fit.
- Wearable & Performance Tech
Companies like Footrax create devices that track speed, movement, and training. This brings advanced analytics to regular players at a price they can afford.
- Venue Booking & Community Platforms
Services like Playo and KheloMore help people find nearby sports venues and book them. They also make it easier to join games and connect with others who share their interests.
- Sports Streaming & Content
Platforms such as FanCode and Sportskeeda give fans live matches, stats, and expert analysis. They offer a smooth, personalized viewing experience across different sports.
Why Sports Startups Are Growing Fast In India?
Sports startups in India are growing fast, driven by the right mix of young users, new tech, and supportive policies.
Rising interest in sports among young urban populations, combined with India’s mobile-first internet adoption and affordable data plans, has created a massive addressable market.
Local language apps are successfully penetrating tier-2 and tier-3 cities, expanding beyond traditional metropolitan markets.
Initiatives like Fit India and Khelo India are boosting sports participation and fitness awareness across the country.
The democratization of technology is making sports more accessible to everyone, regardless of economic background or geographic location.
What Challenges Do Sports Startups Face In India?
Sports startups in India face tough rules and market challenges as they work to build affordable and lasting businesses.
Legal hurdles surrounding gaming and fantasy platforms create uncertainty, with different states implementing varying regulations.
Infrastructure limitations for offline training and access to sports facilities remain significant barriers, especially in smaller cities.
Converting users from free to paid models proves challenging, as Indian consumers remain hesitant to pay for fitness or streaming apps.
Standing out in an increasingly crowded and competitive market requires substantial marketing investments and continuous innovation to maintain user engagement and retention.
Future of Sports Startups In India
Sports startups in India are set to grow with new technology and rising market demand, making the country a key player in global sports innovation.
AI is transforming sports by enhancing performance analytics, boosting fan engagement, and improving operations.
Indian tech firms and startups are well-positioned to drive innovation in this growing sports technology space.
Startups focusing on women’s sports and talent discovery will fill big gaps, while many Indian platforms are also expanding to global markets with similar user needs and tech growth.
Conclusion: Sports Startups Are Changing How India Plays And Stays Fit!
Sports startups in India are changing how people connect with fitness, gaming, and sports, building a fast-growing ecosystem worth billions. They make sports more accessible across cities and communities.
Growth is fueled by mobile tech, low-cost internet, and government support, with new technologies adding fresh opportunities.
Though challenges like regulations exist, the future looks strong. Sports startups are set to boost fan experiences, support talent, and help India grow as a global sports leader.
FAQs
Join a recognised academy and compete at school, district, and state levels. Use platforms like Khelo India and private leagues for training and exposure.
The sports industry crossed Rs 1 lakh crore in 2024 with 14% annual growth making it very profitable
The Market Size of sports startups in India was Rs 26,700 crore in FY24 and is projected to reach Rs 49,500 crore by FY29.
Sports Startups use KYC, AI tools, blockchain records, and real-time fraud detection systems to ensure fair play.
In-demand roles in sports startups include AI/ML engineers, analysts, and product managers. Other roles span marketing, operations, esports casting, and content creation.
