In a landmark moment for Indian sports, Capri Sports Foundation, in collaboration with KPMG Sports Advisory, launched a first-of-its-kind report titled “Women’s Sports in India: Podium to Profit – A Story in the Making” at The Sports Women Huddle.
The report is a deep dive into the commercial ecosystem of women’s sports in India, covering viewership trends, brand partnerships, sponsorship data, and social impact. It highlights the exponential growth of leagues like the Women’s Premier League (WPL), the increasing influence of women athletes on social media, and a fanbase that is now engaged, gender-agnostic, and loyal.
Jinisha Sharma, Director, Capri Sports said, “This report is deeply personal, for every young girl who dared to dream, and every woman who fought for a place on the field. Women’s sports in India isn’t a quiet movement but a powerful revolution that has made people sit up and take note. The report isn’t just a presentation of data, but also a vision of equity, inspiration, and immense potential. I urge every brand, investor, and changemaker to see this not just as an opportunity, but as a responsibility. Because when we invest in women’s sports, we invest in a future where every athlete can rise.”
Kala Anand, Director, Sports Advisory, KPMG in India, said, “Women’s sports is not just progressing, it is rewriting the rule book in terms of engagement, commerce, and culture. At KPMG, we are proud to have collaborated with the Capri Sports Foundation on a project that demonstrates the commercial viability, fan engagement, and strategic potential of women in sports in the future. We hope this report becomes a catalyst for deeper investments, broader media attention, and transformative impact across the industry.”
The report outlines key data points:
- WPL viewership up by 150% in just one year
- $63 million in brand investments flowing to women athletes
- Female fans now accounting for 44% of India’s gaming audience
- Social media conversations around women’s sports have grown 10x
- Projected commercial value of the sector by 2030: $900 million
The event featured celebrated Indian athletes like PV Sindhu, Sania Mirza, Deepa Malik, and Atiqa Mir, who shared powerful stories of resilience and inspiration.
Sania Mirza said, “It’s the belief in female athletes that needs to go a long way. So, I wish there was one secret to it. There isn’t. But I definitely think the media, TV, a lot of corporate sponsors, people like us (former and current senior athletes) trying to put things together for the future of this country in different sports, and mentorship. I think that’s something that will make a difference.
PV Sindhu said, “As female athletes, we need to know that we can do anything and we can achieve everything. And I think we need to be proud of ourselves. I think we ourselves need to have that belief that we can achieve anything and we can go out there and be on the world map.”
With this report, Capri Sports Foundation and KPMG aim to spark a long-term movement—one that turns the spotlight on opportunity, equity, and growth in Indian women’s sports.
