Mumbai, 6th August, 2025: It was a landmark moment in the history of Indian sports, as the Capri Sports Foundation’s The Sports Women Huddle saw the launch of highly anticipated report, “Women’s Sports in India: Podium to Profit – A Story in the Making”.
The report, which is developed in collaboration with KPMG Sports Advisory, is a first-of-its-kind deep dive into the commercial ecosystem of women’s sports in India, that covers viewership trends, brand partnerships, sponsorship data, and social impact. This detailed work of research highlights the exponential growth of leagues like the Women’s Premier League (WPL), the increasing influence of women athletes on social media, and the evolving fanbase that is now as engaged, gender-agnostic, and loyal.
Set against a backdrop of sporting brilliance, on a glittering Wednesday evening, the event celebrated not only the rise of women in Indian sports but also the future of an industry that is on the cusp of a major transformation. With celebrated stars like PV Sindhu, Sania Mirza, Deepa Malik and Atiqa Mir in attendance, the atmosphere was charged with emotion, pride, and purpose. The athletes spoke at length about their journeys, narrating their stories or resilience, hard work that culminated into innumerable moments of glory.
The report shines the spotlight on various aspects of the women’s sporting ecosystem such as the Growth Drivers, the Spectators, the Social and Digital Impact and Footprint, the Strategic Investments, and finally, the Future Forecast, and recommendations for all Stakeholders involved in the ecosystem.
Key Highlights from the Report:
• WPL viewership up 150% in just one year
• Women athletes now attract $63 million in brand investments
• Female fans account for 44% of India's gaming audience
• Social media conversations around women’s sports have grown 10x
• Projected commercial value by 2030: $900 million
Speaking on the occasion, 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.”
"We ourselves need to have that belief that we can achieve anything" - PV Sindhu
Echoing the thought, India’s most successful woman tennis player, 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 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.”
The two-time Olympic Medallist PV Sindhu added that belief can move mountains. She 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 our 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.”
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.”
