Google’s AI platform Gemini has secured a three-year sponsorship deal with the IPL worth Rs 270 crore, marking a major push by AI companies into cricket sponsorships. The agreement, finalized ahead of the 2026 IPL season, followed by ChatGPT’s Rs 16 crore partnership with the Women’s Premier League.
The BCCI has successfully navigated the sponsorship transition, maintaining strong commercial momentum with Apollo Tyres as jersey sponsor (Rs 579 crore) and Tata Group as title sponsor. The 2026 IPL, running from March 26 to May 31, will now feature this diversified sponsorship lineup.
AI Platforms Replace Gaming Sponsors
The deal comes at a crucial time as the government’s ban on real-money gaming applications created a significant sponsorship gap in Indian cricket. AI platforms are projected to spend around Rs 300 crore on cricket sponsorships and advertising this year, though this remains substantially lower than previous gaming app expenditures. The shift represents a transformation in cricket’s commercial landscape.
For Google, the IPL partnership offers unprecedented access to millions of viewers across television and digital platforms, making it an ideal vehicle for building Gemini’s presence in the competitive Indian market. The league’s massive reach continues to attract global technology leaders seeking deep consumer engagement.
With rival AI platforms now backing both the IPL and WPL, these partnerships promise to enhance fan experiences through digital innovation beyond traditional advertising, positioning the IPL at the intersection of sports, technology, and entertainment.
