The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has secured a major commercial boost ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League, finalising a sponsorship
agreement worth ₹270 crore with Google's artificial intelligence platform, Gemini as per a report by PTI.
The three-year partnership underlines the IPL's continuing appeal to global technology leaders and further enhances its standing as one of the most valuable sporting leagues in the world.
The latest deal adds to the IPL's already formidable commercial portfolio, reflecting the tournament's unmatched reach and influence in the global cricketing landscape. With millions of viewers across television and digital platforms, the league has increasingly become a preferred destination for multinational brands seeking deep consumer engagement in the Indian market.
Notably, the agreement also highlights a growing trend of artificial intelligence companies investing in Indian cricket. While Gemini is set to align with the IPL, its competitor ChatGPT is already associated with the Women's Premier League. The presence of rival AI platforms across the men's and women's competitions points to the expanding crossover between cutting-edge technology and sports entertainment.
The BCCI had been searching for a new jersey sponsor after real-money gaming firms were barred by the Indian government, prompting Dream11's exit from that role. Apollo Tyres eventually filled the gap, clinching jersey sponsorship rights in a deal reportedly worth ₹579 crore. Meanwhile, the Tata Group continues as the IPL's title sponsor, maintaining its association with the world's richest T20 league.
The Gemini partnership further demonstrates the BCCI's ability to adapt to shifting sponsorship landscapes while continuing to attract elite global brands. Beyond revenue, such collaborations are increasingly seen as vehicles to enhance fan interaction through digital innovation and data-driven engagement.
When ChatGPT's partnership with the Women's Premier League was announced in November, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had underlined the importance of alliances with global AI leaders, manufacturing giants and consumer brands in strengthening fan experience and accelerating the growth of women's cricket.
With the 2026 IPL scheduled to run from March 26 to May 31, the addition of Gemini to the league's commercial ecosystem reinforces the IPL's status at the intersection of sport, technology and mass entertainment.
