Mumbai: Fantasy gaming giant Dream11’s parent company Dream Sports is all set to acquire a 15% stake in Cricbuzz, one of India’s most visited cricket content platforms, for $50 million, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The deal is in its final stages and is expected to be closed soon.
This strategic move marks Dream Sports’ first major investment in a cricket-centric media platform and is seen as a step to deepen its presence within the cricketing ecosystem, especially during high-traffic periods like the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Cricbuzz: A Leading Cricket Destination
Founded in 2004 by Pankaj Chhaparwal, Piyush Agrawal, and Pravin Hegde, Cricbuzz was acquired by Times Internet in 2014. It has since evolved into a dominant cricket news and live scores portal, with a rapidly growing video presence.
The platform is projected to draw 185 million users and 350 million video views during the ongoing IPL season. For FY25, Cricbuzz is estimated to have recorded a revenue of ₹400 crore, although this figure is yet to be officially verified.
What’s in it for Dream11?
By acquiring a stake in Cricbuzz, Dream11 is looking to boost brand visibility, run targeted user acquisition campaigns, and seamlessly integrate its offerings within Cricbuzz’s ecosystem. With Cricbuzz’s reputation for fast and snappy updates, Dream11 could use the content stream to engage fantasy gamers in real-time, especially those actively participating during live matches.
Cricbuzz also holds broadcasting rights in select international markets, a key factor likely considered by Dream Sports as it seeks to expand its influence beyond Indian shores.
The Bigger Picture
Dream Sports’ investment comes at a time when the fantasy gaming market in India is booming. The deal reflects the company’s strategy to diversify its presence and strengthen its content and engagement channels.
Though a 15% stake may seem modest for a cash-rich company like Dream11, insiders suggest this could be the beginning of a deeper collaboration. Meanwhile, for Times Internet, the deal provides a much-needed opportunity to monetize its asset amid challenging market conditions.
Conclusion:
The Dream Sports-Cricbuzz deal signals the increasing convergence of sports content and fantasy gaming in India. As the digital sports economy continues to grow, this strategic partnership could redefine how content and gaming platforms collaborate to engage and monetize cricket fans.
