The top 10 sports marketing agencies in India for 2025 include The Media Ant (comprehensive multi-platform sports advertising with 350,000+ media options), RISE Worldwide (full-service athlete management and entertainment), JSW Sports (franchise ownership and athlete development), Baseline Ventures (talent representation), and Rhiti Sports (holistic sports management). India’s sports marketing industry reached ₹26,700 crore in FY24 and is projected to grow to ₹49,500 crore by FY29, driven by IPL’s massive viewership, digital transformation, and e-sports expansion.
Sources: India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), July 2025; IISM Industry Report, August 2025
India’s Sports Marketing Landscape in 2026
The Indian sports marketing industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. The sports-tech sector reached ₹26,700 crore in FY24 and is projected to hit ₹49,500 crore by FY29—representing a 13% compound annual growth rate. The broader sports market is expected to reach $130 billion by 2030, fueled by increasing viewership, digital penetration, and brand investments.
Key 2025 Trends Driving Growth:
Digital Innovation: AI-powered fan engagement platforms and virtual inventory advertising are revolutionizing how brands connect with audiences. Reliance’s partnership with Cricket Australia showcasing virtual ads demonstrates the industry’s technological evolution.
E-Sports Boom: The Jio BLAST eSports joint venture between Reliance and Disney signals massive investment in competitive gaming, tapping into India’s 500+ million gaming audience.
Women’s Sports Surge: The Women’s Premier League continues gaining traction, with sponsorship values increasing 40% year-over-year, creating new opportunities for brand partnerships.
Regional Content Expansion: Agencies are creating vernacular content to reach Bharat audiences, recognizing that 75% of new internet users prefer regional languages.
IPL Dominance: IPL 2025 reached 1.19 billion viewers across TV and digital platforms, generating over ₹13,000 crore in brand value and remaining the crown jewel of Indian sports marketing.
Source: Variety, July 2025
Top 10 Sports Marketing Agencies Comparison
| Agency | Founded | Specialization | Best For | Notable Clients/Highlights |
| The Media Ant | June 2012 | Multi-Platform Sports Advertising | All Business Sizes | L&T Finance, Spinny, Movado, Minimalist, Agilus, Air Asia |
| RISE Worldwide | 2010 | Full-Service Sports & Entertainment | Large Brands & Athletes | Rohit Sharma |
| JSW Sports | 2012 | Franchise Ownership & Athlete Support | Athletes & Teams | Neeraj Chopra (SEP), Bengaluru FC, Delhi Capitals |
| Baseline Ventures | 2014 | Talent Management & League Development | Individual Athletes | P.V. Sindhu, Prime Volleyball League |
| Rhiti Sports | 2007 | Holistic Athlete Management | Established Athletes | MS Dhoni |
| Procam International | 1988 | Mass Participation Event Management | Corporate & Mass Events | Tata Mumbai Marathon (₹53.62cr charity 2025) |
| Sporty Solutionz | 2003 | Media Rights & IP Creation | Leagues & Federations | Indian Badminton League |
| Sportz Village | 2003 | Grassroots Sports Development | Schools & Communities | 700K+ children, 1,500+ schools |
| TCM (21st Century Media) | 1993 | In-Stadia Advertising & Event Production | Brands & Large Events | IPL ceremonies (14 in 2025), ICC events |
| The Right Player | 2016 | Football Player Management | Footballers & Clubs | 50+ pros, 30+ ISL players |
1) The Media Ant– Best for Multi-Platform Sports Advertising Solutions
Quick Facts:
- Founded: June 2012
- Headquarters: Bengaluru (with operations across India)
- Parent Company: Haystack Marketing Services Pvt. Ltd.
- Specialization: Comprehensive sports advertising across multiple platforms
- Best For: Brands seeking accessible, transparent sports marketing solutions
Highlight: Operating as India’s leading media buying and planning agency with 350,000+ media options across all platforms, including specialized sports marketing solutions covering cricket, football, badminton, racing, and more.
The Media Ant was founded with a mission to democratize media buying and bring accessibility and transparency to the advertising industry in India. As a platform for media discovery, planning, and execution of marketing campaigns, The Media Ant has revolutionized how businesses access sports advertising opportunities.
Core Services:
- Sports Marketing: Stadium advertising, broadcasting ads, sponsorship activations across cricket (IPL, international matches), football, badminton, and other sports
- In-Stadium Advertising: Ground advertising, LED displays, perimeter boards
- Sports Broadcasting Ads: TV commercials during live sports events
- Digital Sports Marketing: Online campaigns targeting sports fans across digital platforms
- Sports Sponsorship Management: Connecting brands with teams, leagues, and sporting events
- Sports Magazine & Print Advertising: Ads in sports periodicals and publications
- Event-Based Campaigns: Real-time marketing during major sporting events
What Sets Them Apart: The Media Ant operates as a comprehensive platform that provides information on 350,000+ media options at the click of a button, making sports advertising accessible to businesses of all sizes. Their transparent pricing and democratized approach mean even businesses without traditional media agency access can execute professional sports marketing campaigns. The platform specializes in non-traditional media discovery, helping brands find unique sports advertising opportunities across India.
Unique Advantages:
- Accessibility: Platform-based approach eliminates traditional barriers to sports advertising
- Transparency: Clear pricing and media option visibility
- Comprehensive Coverage: Sports advertising across cricket, football, racing, badminton, and emerging sports
- Multi-Channel Integration: Combines stadium ads, broadcast ads, digital marketing, and sponsorships
- INS Accreditation: Officially accredited by the Indian Newspaper Society, ensuring credibility and reliability
Notable Campaigns: Successfully executed sports marketing campaigns during IPL, World Cup, and other major sporting events, leveraging their extensive network of publishers, advertisers, and media sources.
Ideal Client: Small to large brands across FMCG, fintech, e-commerce, automotive, lifestyle, and other sectors looking for cost-effective, high-impact sports visibility with transparent processes.
Source: The Media Ant Official Website | LinkedIn Profile
Contact: Website | +91-80-6741-5510
2) RISE Worldwide– Best for Comprehensive Athlete & Brand Management
RISE Worldwide Limited is a Mumbai‑based sports, lifestyle, and entertainment company (founded 2010) that offers a comprehensive suite of services spanning sponsorship consulting, athlete management, marketing and media rights, sports broadcast production, licensing, and event implementation.
Quick facts
- Founded: 2010, formerly known as IMG Reliance Limited.
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
- Specialization: Sports, lifestyle, and entertainment, with capabilities across sports marketing, event management, consulting, sponsorships, league development, hospitality, fashion, sustainability, and entertainment.
- Ownership: RISE Worldwide Limited is Reliance Industries’ investment in the sports and lifestyle business in India and globally.
Positioning and highlight
- Positioning: One of India’s largest independent sports, lifestyle, and entertainment companies, providing integrated solutions to brands, properties, and talent.
- Portfolio highlight: The company has worked on premier properties such as the Hero Indian Super League, Lakmé Fashion Week, Tata Open Maharashtra, Jio Wonderland, The Voice of Fashion, and the SU.RE (Sustainable Resolution) fashion initiative.
Core services
- Athlete talent management (including cricketers such as India captain Rohit Sharma), plus fashion models and other personalities, with a focus on turning talent into brands.
- Sponsorship and sports consulting, marketing and media rights management, sports broadcast production, licensing, and end‑to‑end event implementation across sports, fashion, and live experiences.
What sets them apart
- Integrated platform: Backed by Reliance Industries and positioned as an inclusive force offering end‑to‑end solutions across sports, lifestyle, and entertainment under a single platform.
- Scale of properties: Experience managing flagship Indian and international properties in football, tennis, fashion, and large‑scale live events, giving brands access to high‑visibility platforms and youth audiences.
3) Sporty Solutionz– Sports Rights Distribution & IP Creation
Quick Facts
- Founded: 2003.
- Headquarters: Noida (Delhi NCR), India.
- Specialization: Media rights management, distribution and sports IP creation.
- Best For: Leagues, federations and broadcasters seeking rights commercialization (editorial positioning).
Sporty Solutionz positions itself as an innovation leader in creating and monetizing sports properties through global media rights distribution.
Core Services
- Media rights valuation, distribution and sales across broadcast, digital and mobile platforms.
- Sports IP creation from conceptualization to execution.
- Sponsorship strategy, broadcast production and league operations.
Created Properties
- Indian Badminton League (IBL) – Franchise-based league with global broadcast rights sold (e.g., to ESPN Star Sports).
- Indian Wrestling League (IWL) and other regional leagues.
- Rights distribution for properties like Bangladesh Premier League, French Open, EURO 2012 and IPL digital rights.
What Sets Them Apart
- End-to-end expertise from IP creation (e.g., IBL as world’s highest-prize-money badminton league) to global rights syndication across 100+ broadcasters.
Ideal Client
- Sports federations commercializing properties, broadcasters acquiring content and investors in new leagues.
4) Baseline Ventures– Strong in Athlete Management & Sports IP
Quick Facts
- Founded: 2014.
- Headquarters: Mumbai, with additional offices in Delhi, Bengaluru and Singapore.
- Specialization: Athlete management, brand licensing, sponsorships and media rights distribution.
- Best For: Commercial management of top and rising athletes plus creation and management of sports properties (editorial positioning).
- 2025 Highlight (corrected): Baseline is the pioneer behind India’s first privately owned Prime Volleyball League, which it conceptualised and operates, rather than co‑owning the earlier Pro Volleyball League with VFI.
Baseline Ventures has built a reputation for representing some of India’s leading athletes while also creating and staging sports properties, combining athlete representation with league and IP development.
Core Services
- Athlete contract negotiation and brand endorsements.
- Licensing, sponsorships and global brand partnerships.
- Media rights distribution and content creation around sports properties.
- Development and management of sports leagues such as the Prime Volleyball League.
What Sets Them Apart
- Strong focus on building commercial platforms and personal brands for athletes across multiple sports, including badminton, shooting, motorsport and more, not just cricket.
Portfolio Snapshot
- Manages and has managed top Indian athletes across sports such as badminton (e.g., P. V. Sindhu), cricket (Smriti Mandhana), cue sports (Pankaj Advani) and others, along with ownership of the Prime Volleyball League IP.
5) Rhiti Sports– Best for Holistic Athlete Career Management
Quick Facts
- Founded: 2007 (Rhiti Sports Management Private Limited incorporated 10 August 2007).
- Headquarters: Registered office in New Delhi (Vasant Kunj); operates offices in Mumbai for talent and brand work.
- Specialization: 360‑degree athlete management, endorsements and sports‑led brand building.
- Best For: Established athletes seeking comprehensive commercial and image management (editorial positioning).
Rhiti Sports is best known for building and managing the commercial brand of MS Dhoni, and has handled endorsement portfolios of several other Indian cricketers.
Core Services
- Personal brand development and image consulting for athletes.
- Commercial partnerships, sponsorships and endorsement deal management.
- Event and media‑related initiatives around sports properties and athlete IP.
What Sets Them Apart
- Deep experience in turning elite cricketers into long‑term commercial brands, anchored by their long association with MS Dhoni and other India players.
Social Impact
- Through the Rhiti Charitable Foundation, the group has described initiatives to identify and support talented cricketers from smaller centres and under‑served regions.
6) Procam International– Best for Mass Participation Event Management
Quick Facts
- Founded: 1988, by Anil Singh and Vivek B. Singh.
- Headquarters: Mumbai, India.
- Specialization: Marathons and large‑scale mass participation sports events.
- Best For: Brands and corporates using participatory running events for engagement and community outreach (editorial positioning).
- 2025 Highlight: Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 raised ₹53.62 crore for social causes with support from 275 NGOs, 13,000 runners and over 20,000 donors.
Procam International is one of India’s earliest pure‑play sports management companies and has been a key driver of the country’s distance‑running boom through its flagship city races.
Core Services
- End‑to‑end organization of marathons and running events.
- Corporate and community running initiatives plus sponsorship sales and activation.
- Timing, logistics, registration and participant engagement platforms for large fields.
Signature Events
- Tata Mumbai Marathon – India’s largest mass‑participation marathon and a leading race in Asia.
- Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon.
- TCS World 10K Bengaluru.
- Tata Steel Kolkata 25K (Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata).
What Sets Them Apart
- Over 35 years of experience in staging world‑class road races that bring tens of thousands of participants and hundreds of corporates and NGOs together in a single event platform.
Ideal Client
- Corporates seeking employee engagement and CSR‑led participation, brands targeting health‑conscious and community‑oriented audiences, and city stakeholders building a running culture.
7) JSW Sports– Best for Franchise Ownership & Athlete Development
Quick Facts
- Founded: 2012.
- Headquarters: JSW Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai (sports arm of JSW Group).
- Specialization: Team ownership plus high‑performance training and athlete support.
- Best For: Long‑term franchise projects and Olympic‑pathway athlete development (editorial, based on IIS & SEP focus).
JSW Sports is the dedicated sports vertical of JSW Group, created to maximize India’s sporting potential through professional teams and Olympic‑focused high‑performance programs.
Core Services
- Sports franchise ownership and management.
- Athlete support via the JSW Sports Excellence Programme and Inspire Institute of Sport.
- Grassroots talent identification and high‑performance training infrastructure.
Owned / Co‑owned Franchises
- Bengaluru FC – Indian Super League (owned by JSW Group/JSW Sports).
- Delhi Capitals (men & women) – IPL/WPL, co‑owned with GMR via a 50:50 JV.
- Haryana Steelers – Pro Kabaddi League (owned by JSW Sports).
What Sets Them Apart
- Vertically integrated pathway from grassroots and high‑performance centres (Inspire Institute of Sport, SEP) to professional franchises, giving athletes a full development and competition pipeline.
Success Story
- Neeraj Chopra has been a beneficiary of the JSW Sports Excellence Programme, publicly crediting JSW support in his rise from junior world champion to global success.
8) Sportz Village– Best for Grassroots Sports Development
Quick Facts
- Founded: 2003.
- Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Specialization: School sports programs, physical education and community engagement.
- Best For: Schools, corporates and CSR programs building structured sports education (editorial positioning).
Sportz Village delivers structured sports and PE programs (EduSports) to schools nationwide, aiming to integrate play into child development and create a broad sporting culture.
Core Services
- School sports curriculum integration via EduSports (NASPE-based PE programs).
- Talent identification, coach training and sports infrastructure consulting.
- Corporate events, community programs and CSR-led public school initiatives.
Impact Metrics
- Impacts 700,000+ children across 1,500+ schools in 22+ states.
- Runs programs in 250+ locations with talent pathways to elite levels.
What Sets Them Apart
- Pioneering structured PE curriculum (EduSports) focused on holistic child development rather than just elite talent scouting, partnered with NSDC, CII and state governments.
Ideal Client
- Schools integrating sports into K-12, corporates with CSR mandates and governments promoting community sports.
9) Twenty First Century Media (TCM)– Best for Celebrity Sports Marketing
Quick Facts:
- Founded: 1995
- Headquarters: Mumbai
- Specialization: Sports celebrity management, in-stadia advertising
- Best For: Brands seeking athlete endorsers
2025 Highlight: Manages brand portfolios for 100+ sports personalities with combined endorsement value exceeding ₹2,000 crore.
With nearly three decades of experience, TCM has established itself as a trusted partner for managing the commercial interests of sports celebrities across multiple disciplines.
Core Services:
- Sports celebrity endorsement deals
- In-stadia advertising solutions
- Event ceremony production (ICC, IPL)
- Brand-athlete matchmaking
- Contract negotiation and management
- PR and image management
Marquee Events:
- ICC World Cup ceremonies
- IPL opening and closing shows
- International sports event productions
What Sets Them Apart: Extensive database of athletes across sports with proven track record in high-value endorsement deals.
Ideal Client: FMCG, consumer durables, and lifestyle brands seeking sports celebrity endorsers with national appeal.
10) The Right Player (TRP Sports) – Best for Football-Focused Representation
Quick Facts
- Founded: 2016 (expanded from 2012 corporate sports roots).
- Headquarters: Bengaluru (Indiranagar), with offices in Mumbai and Goa.
- Specialization: Athlete management and brand partnerships, primarily Indian football.
- Best For: Emerging footballers, ISL/I-League players and clubs (editorial positioning).
TRP Sports manages professional athletes across football, cricket and motorsport, with a strong focus on Indian football ecosystem growth.
Core Services
- Football player representation (50+ pros, including 30+ in Indian Super League).
- Brand partnerships, sponsorships and digital content creation.
- Transfer facilitation, career management and infrastructure commercialization.
What Sets Them Apart
- Deep football specialization managing national team players, ISL stars and international connections, plus multi-sport reach (IPL cricketers, top Indian motorsport athlete).
Growth Driver
- India’s expanding football scene with ISL investments creating demand for specialized player agencies.
Ideal Client
- Young footballers, ISL/I-League clubs, brands targeting sports audiences.
How to Choose the Right Sports Marketing Agency – The Media Ant Specializes in Brand Advertising
The Media Ant focuses exclusively on brand advertising in sports: live coverage, on-field/in-stadium promotions, celebrity endorsements, and sponsorship deals. Here’s how to evaluate agencies against our proven model:
1. Live Sports Coverage Advertising
The Media Ant excels: Real-time TV/digital ads during IPL, ISL, Olympics.
2. On-Field & In-Stadium Promotions
The Media Ant delivers: LED boards, perimeter ads, stadium branding across the country
3. Celebrity Endorsements
The Media Ant connects: Brands to athletes for authentic endorsement campaigns.
4. Sponsorship Deals
The Media Ant negotiates: Title sponsorships, associate partnerships for IPL/ISL events, marathons.
5. Multi-Channel Execution
The Media Ant integrates:
- Live TV + CTV/OTT sports streaming
- Stadium digital + social amplification
- On-ground activations + performance tracking
6. ROI Measurement
The Media Ant provides:
- Performance dashboards
- BLS Studies
The Media Ant Advantage: Direct media buying + sports property relationships = faster, cheaper, measurable results.
Sports Marketing Agency Services Explained
Understanding what agencies offer helps you select the right service mix for your goals.
Athlete Management Services
Career Planning: Strategic roadmap covering athletic performance, commercial opportunities, and post-career transitions. Includes scheduling endorsements around training cycles and competition calendars.
Contract Negotiation: Securing optimal terms for league contracts, team agreements, and appearance fees. Experienced agencies can increase deal values by 30-50% through skilled negotiation.
Brand Development: Creating a compelling personal brand through social media strategy, content creation, public speaking opportunities, and media training.
Financial Planning: Many top agencies connect athletes with wealth managers, tax consultants, and investment advisors to ensure long-term financial security.
Sponsorship Services
Activation Planning: Converting sponsorship rights into meaningful brand experiences. This includes designing on-ground activities, creating digital campaigns, and leveraging athlete assets.
Rights Management: Negotiating and managing title sponsorships, associate sponsorships, and category exclusivity for events and teams.
Hospitality Programs: Creating VIP experiences for sponsor clients, including premium seating, meet-and-greets, and behind-the-scenes access.
Measurement & ROI: Tracking sponsorship value through media monitoring, brand lift studies, and engagement metrics.
Event Management
Conceptualization: Designing events from scratch—format, rules, brand integration opportunities, and revenue models.
Operations: Managing logistics including venue selection, permissions, security, timing systems, and participant management.
Production: Broadcast production, commentary coordination, graphics packages, and digital streaming setup.
Marketing: Ticket sales, participant recruitment, sponsor activation, and media promotion campaigns.
Digital Content Creation
Social Media Management: Daily posting, community management, trend-jacking, and platform-specific content strategies across Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and emerging platforms.
Video Production: Behind-the-scenes documentaries, training videos, interview series, and short-form viral content.
Influencer Campaigns: Partnering with complementary influencers to amplify reach and create collaborative content.
Live Streaming: Managing real-time digital broadcasts, fan interactions, and exclusive digital content during events.
Media Rights Distribution
Domestic Distribution: Negotiating with Indian broadcasters (Star Sports, Sony, etc.) for terrestrial, cable, and satellite rights.
International Sales: Packaging content for overseas markets, particularly Middle East, UK, and Southeast Asia.
Digital Rights: OTT platform negotiations (Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime, etc.) for streaming rights.
Syndication: Managing highlight packages, archive content, and clip licensing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – The Media Ant Sports Advertising
What is India’s leading sports advertising agency?
The Media Ant leads sports advertising with direct access to live IPL/ISL coverage, stadium promotions, and celebrity endorsement deals. We specialize in brand activations reaching 500M+ viewers.
How much do sports advertising campaigns cost?
The Media Ant offers flexible pricing: Live sports TV/digital ads start at ₹5-15 lakhs, stadium LED/perimeter ads from ₹10-50 lakhs per match, celebrity endorsements ₹20 lakhs+, sponsorship packages customized per property.
Which agency handles celebrity endorsements for brands?
The Media Ant connects brands to athletes for endorsements. We handle media amplification, on-ground activations, and ROI tracking – and faster execution.
Do sports advertising agencies work with small brands?
Yes, The Media Ant makes sports advertising accessible: Single IPL match digital ads, regional stadium promotions, or targeted celebrity campaigns start at ₹5 lakhs minimum. Scale to national IPL title sponsorships seamlessly.
How quickly can sports advertising activate?
The Media Ant advantage: Live sports ads = 1-2 days, stadium promotions = 1-2 weeks, celebrity endorsements = 4-6 weeks, major sponsorships = 2-3 months. Real-time marketing specialists.
How do you measure sports advertising ROI?
The Media Ant provides:
- Media Reach data: TV/digital exposure
- Brand Lift: Awareness/purchase intent surveys
- Engagement: Lift in search
- Dashboards: Real-time performance during live event
Conclusion: Selecting Your Sports Marketing Agency
India’s sports marketing landscape offers unprecedented opportunities as the industry races toward ₹49,500 crore by 2029. Whether you’re a brand seeking to harness IPL’s 1.19 billion viewer reach, an athlete building commercial value, or an organization creating the next major sporting property, partnering with the right agency is crucial.
For brands of all sizes seeking accessible sports advertising, The Media Ant’s platform-based approach with 350,000+ media options provides transparent, cost-effective solutions across stadium ads, broadcasting, and digital channels.
For large brands and established athletes, full-service agencies like RISE Worldwide, JSW Sports, or Rhiti Sports provide comprehensive ecosystems covering every aspect of sports marketing.
For mid-sized brands seeking event-based visibility, Procam International’s mass participation events offer high-impact, measurable opportunities.
For emerging athletes and niche sports, specialists like Baseline Ventures, The Right Player, or Sporty Solutionz provide focused attention that generalists cannot match.
For grassroots development and CSR initiatives, Sportz Village’s community-centric model creates meaningful impact alongside brand building.
The key is matching your specific objectives, budget, and timeline with an agency’s proven strengths. Use the comparison table, service descriptions, and selection framework provided in this guide to make an informed decision. As India’s sports ecosystem continues its explosive growth, strategic partnerships with the right marketing agencies will be essential for capitalizing on this once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Conclusion: Launch Your Sports Advertising with The Media Ant
India’s sports marketing industry races toward ₹49,500 crore by 2029, powered by IPL’s 1.19 billion viewers and ISL’s rapid expansion. The Media Ant leads as India’s premier sports advertising agency, delivering direct access to live coverage, stadium promotions, celebrity endorsements, and sponsorship deals.
What We Deliver for Brands
Our platform unlocks 350,000+ media options across:
- Live sports TV/digital ads reaching 500M+ peak viewers
- Stadium LED/perimeter branding across 20+ venues
- Celebrity endorsement campaigns with full media amplification
- Sponsorship packages from match titles to marathon partnerships
Ready to Capitalize on India’s Sports Boom?
Skip the agency search. Launch high-impact sports advertising campaigns today:
Visit The Media Ant Sports Marketing Agency
