The fantasy sports market in Bangladesh is still at an early stage of development, but it demonstrates strong long-term growth potential. Rising internet penetration, increasing smartphone adoption, and growing engagement with mobile gaming are creating favorable conditions for expansion. According to recent estimates, Bangladesh’s broader online gaming market is expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 12.5% between 2023 and 2030, with fantasy sports emerging as a notable sub-segment.
Interest in fantasy sports is driven primarily by the country’s young population and the popularity of cricket and football. User activity tends to spike around major sporting events such as the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and international football tournaments, including the English Premier League (EPL). Industry projections suggest that the number of fantasy sports users in Bangladesh could reach up to 10 million by 2027, supported by increased awareness, marketing activity, and investment in digital platforms.
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Market Development
Given the early stage of the market, large-scale mergers and acquisitions remain limited. However, interest from international fantasy sports operators is increasing, indicating potential future investments and strategic partnerships. Several regional and local platforms are exploring collaborations with established global players to expand their user base, improve product quality, and enhance technological capabilities.
Key Investments and Partnerships
- Dream11 and MyTeam11, two major fantasy sports platforms from neighboring markets, have a presence in Bangladesh, particularly around cricket tournaments such as the Bangladesh Premier League and international matches.
- Local startups such as Baji Live and BD Sports Fantasy are gaining traction by offering localized content and experiences tailored to Bangladeshi users.
- Game Plan, a skill-based fantasy sports platform, was developed through a collaboration between Riseup Labs and Robi Axiata Limited. The platform allows users to create virtual teams based on real players. Jamal Bhuyan, captain of the Bangladesh National Men’s Football Team, serves as a brand ambassador, helping to promote both the platform and the broader fantasy sports ecosystem.
- FanCode provides live streaming, match scores, analysis, and fantasy tips. FanCode has partnered with the Bangladesh Premier League and other sports leagues and broadcasters, with a strategy focused on underserved sports audiences across cricket, football, kabaddi, basketball, hockey, volleyball, and more.
Distribution of Fantasy Sports Users in Bangladesh
Cricket dominates the fantasy sports landscape, accounting for an estimated 70% of user participation. Football is the second most popular category, with leagues such as the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and the FIFA World Cup attracting strong engagement.
While Bangladesh’s online gaming industry is still evolving, fantasy sports are expected to contribute meaningfully to overall sector revenues, following patterns previously observed in more mature markets such as India.
Geographical Overview
Detailed data on the geographic distribution of fantasy sports users in Bangladesh is limited. However, based on population density, internet access, and smartphone penetration, the key potential markets are:
- Dhaka
- Chittagong
- Sylhet
- Khulna
Leading Fantasy Sports Platforms in Bangladesh
Popular fantasy sports platforms accessible to Bangladeshi users include:
- Dream11
- MyTeam11
- Real11
- MPL (Mobile Premier League)
Notable Local and Regional Platforms
- PlayFantasy365 (FPL-focused) – Local
- Team Plan – Local
- Game of 11 (GO11) – Local
Market Outlook and Conclusion
The fantasy sports market in Bangladesh remains nascent but highly promising. Growth is supported by strong interest in cricket and football, rapid smartphone adoption, and increasing familiarity with digital gaming formats. While the regulatory framework is still unclear, the rising popularity of fantasy sports may eventually lead to clearer guidelines, encouraging larger investments and more structured market development.
If market conditions evolve favorably, Bangladesh’s fantasy sports segment could follow a trajectory similar to India’s early growth phase, positioning it as a strategically important segment within the country’s online gaming industry over the next several years.
