Dream11 Acquires Stake in Cricbuzz – A Major Move in Fantasy Gaming

Dream11, the parent company behind the renowned fantasy gaming platform, is preparing to acquire a stake in Cricbuzz, a leading cricket media outlet owned by Times Internet. This marks Dream Sports’ inaugural significant investment in a cricket-centric content platform.

According to anonymous insiders, “Dream11 is on the verge of securing a 15% stake in Cricbuzz for $50 million.” The details of the agreement have been confirmed, with the deal expected to conclude shortly.

Cricbuzz’s Background and History

Cricbuzz was established in 2004 by Pankaj Chhaparwal, Piyush Agrawal, and Pravin Hegde, originating as a digital platform focused on cricket. In November 2014, Times Internet, the digital segment of the Times of India Group, acquired a majority interest in Cricbuzz for an undisclosed amount, subsequently merging it with their existing cricket portal, GoCricket.

Benefits of the Dream11-Cricbuzz Partnership

The investment in Cricbuzz is anticipated to provide Dream11 with immediate access to an enthusiastic and relevant audience, notably during major events like the IPL. This could significantly enhance the fantasy platform’s brand visibility, facilitate targeted marketing initiatives, and incorporate user acquisition strategies within Cricbuzz’s content framework, as noted by another anonymous source.

Cricbuzz’s Performance and Projections

Reports indicate that Cricbuzz achieved an estimated revenue of Rs 400 crore in FY25, although this figure remains unverified by independent sources.

Dream11 has opted not to comment on the matter, and inquiries directed to Times Internet and Cricbuzz went unanswered at the time of writing.

Cricbuzz User Base and Engagement

While the precise number of Cricbuzz users is not publicly disclosed, the platform anticipates reaching 185 million users during the current Indian Premier League season, alongside expecting 350 million video views.

This valuation appears attractive to avid cricket enthusiasts in India. Viewers of match broadcasts cannot overlook the prominent advertising from gaming platforms, underscoring the immense opportunities cricket presents for such sites.

In the digital arena, alongside JioHotstar, the esteemed ESPNcricinfo continues to be the preferred portal for a significant number of fans, while Cricbuzz competes by offering swift and engaging updates. This aligns well with the expectations of Dream11 users who leverage their “skills” on the platform. Alternatively, it could be that Cricbuzz is more open to the acquisition due to stagnant revenues observed at Times Internet. A 15% stake represents a minor commitment from the cash-rich Dream11, prompting anticipation regarding how this partnership evolves over the next year, likely ahead of the next IPL season.