ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Kicks Off with Unprecedented Commercial Momentum
The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 has officially begun, and it is already making waves both on and off the field. The tournament’s opening day witnessed India’s thrilling win over Sri Lanka by 59 runs in a rain-affected match at Guwahati’s ACA Stadium, drawing an unprecedented crowd of 22,843 fans — the highest ever attendance for a Women’s Cricket World Cup opening game. This historic moment is accompanied by strong commercial momentum that signals the rise of women’s cricket as a powerful platform for global brands.
Premium Sponsors Backing Women’s Cricket
This year, the ICC Women’s World Cup boasts an impressive lineup of sponsors spanning technology, banking, and luxury sectors. JioStar, the official broadcaster and streaming partner, has announced seven marquee sponsors, including Google’s flagship brands like Pixel 10, Gemini, Pay, and Android. Alongside technology giants, household names such as Hindustan Unilever’s Rexona, State Bank of India, and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) have also joined forces to support the event.
Google is playing a prominent role, with the Pixel 10 series acting as the official smartphone partner. The brand is engaging fans through exclusive cricket-related promotions and hospitality offers linked to purchases of their latest devices during the tournament. This blend of technology and sport highlights the increasing appeal of women’s cricket as both an entertainment event and a marketing powerhouse.
Brands See Value in Women’s Cricket
The commercial interest stems from the tournament’s ability to attract engaged and high-intent audiences. Anup Govindan, Chief Revenue Officer – Sports at JioStar, expressed enthusiasm about the quality and diversity of sponsors. “This edition of the World Cup will not only inspire millions but also create impactful opportunities for brands to connect with audiences across multiple platforms,” he stated.
IGI’s Global CEO Tehmasp Printer also drew a compelling analogy between the sport and their industry. He remarked, “Just as every diamond undergoes a journey of pressure and precision to shine at its brightest, so do the exceptional women cricketers who represent their nations on the world stage.” This collaboration underlines the values of authenticity, grit, and brilliance embodied by women athletes.
Record-Breaking Commercial Success
Beyond the packed stadiums and riveting matches, sponsorship and advertising rates for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 have soared by up to 50% compared to previous editions. The total prize pool has reached an all-time high of $13.88 million, surpassing even the men's 2023 World Cup. This ambitious commitment demonstrates the cricketing world's expanding focus on women’s sport as a commercially viable and culturally meaningful initiative.
The tournament is hosted across prominent venues in India and Sri Lanka, with all games broadcast live on the Star Sports network and streamed digitally on JioHotstar. These multi-channel platforms offer brands significant visibility and activation opportunities, ranging from TV and digital commercials to interactive experiences at match venues.
Looking Ahead
As the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 progresses, strong commercial backing combined with passionate fan engagement is elevating women’s cricket to unprecedented heights. This tournament is not just a celebration of athletic excellence but a pivotal moment for brands and audiences eager to champion gender equality and innovation in sports. The world will be watching as these elite athletes inspire millions and redefine the global cricketing landscape.