Fantasy sports giant Dream11 is taking its popular platform global with a free-to-play model supported by advertising and brand partnerships. This marks a significant shift in strategy for one of India’s leading gaming platforms, as it looks to expand its presence across multiple international markets.
Dream11’s parent company Dream Sports is introducing its fantasy sports experience to new regions, including New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia, Nepal, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. Importantly, the company has clarified that no real-money gaming options will be available in these markets — instead, the platform will rely on ad-supported engagement and sponsorships.
Dream Sports declined to comment on the ongoing expansion plans.
Dream11 Bets Big on Advertising and Sponsorships
Dream11 has recently intensified its focus on advertising partnerships, onboarding prominent brands such as Swiggy, Astrotalk, and Tata Neu to its platform.
The company offers multiple ad formats, including banner ads, branded leagues, and sponsored contests, designed to help advertisers target diverse audiences — from young mobile-first sports fans in metro cities to families and casual players in smaller towns.
“Over the years, many brands have shown strong interest in partnering with Dream11. Now, after our pivot to free-to-play fantasy sports, we have begun onboarding them selectively,”
said Vikrant Mudaliar, Chief Marketing Officer of Dream Sports.
Mudaliar added that fantasy cricket continues to drive high engagement, with the platform claiming 10 million daily active users (DAUs) and over 250 million registered users. The company reports that nearly 70% of its users are aged 18–35, while another 25% fall in the 35–60 age group, reflecting its wide demographic appeal.
Introducing ‘Flex’: A New Way to Play Fantasy Sports
As part of its evolving platform strategy, Dream11 recently launched “Flex”, a customizable fantasy sports feature that allows players to create their own private leagues and set personalized rules.
The feature is aimed at enhancing user interactivity and retaining engagement among its large and growing user base, especially as the company transitions to an ad-driven revenue model.
Dream Sports: A Diverse Gaming Ecosystem
Founded in 2008 by Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth, Dream Sports has grown into a comprehensive sports entertainment ecosystem.
The company’s portfolio includes:
- FanCode – a sports content and commerce platform,
- DreamSetGo – a premium sports travel and experiences brand,
- Dream Game Studios – focused on game development,
- Dream Money – offering fixed deposit and gold investment products, and
- Dream Sports Foundation – the company’s philanthropic initiative.
Dream Sports was last valued at $8 billion following an $840 million funding round in November 2021, led by Falcon Edge, DST Global, D1 Capital, RedBird Capital, Tiger Global, TPG, and Footpath Ventures.
Global Expansion: Industry-Wide Trend
Dream11’s international move mirrors a broader trend among Indian gaming firms expanding overseas.
M-League, the parent company of Mobile Premier League (MPL) and European studio GameDuell, now operates in Europe, the United States, and Nigeria, with nearly 40% of its FY25 revenues coming from international markets.
Similarly, WinZO, another fast-growing gaming platform, recently entered the United States — nearly two years after its Brazil debut, signaling rising global ambitions among India’s leading gaming companies.
What This Means for Dream11
Dream11’s pivot to a free-to-play, ad-supported model allows it to navigate diverse international regulations around online gaming while building a sustainable global user base.
Industry analysts believe this strategy will help Dream11 attract mainstream advertisers and diversify its revenue streams, while still maintaining its strong foothold in fantasy cricket — its flagship category.
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information and reports. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or business advice.
