Ajay Pratap Singh, CEO of Absolute Sports, the parent company of sports media brand Sportskeeda, has stepped down after a tenure of over three-and-a-half years. His departure marks a significant leadership change for the Nazara Technologies-owned subsidiary, known for its expansive growth under Singh’s leadership. Singh’s exit comes as he prepares to embark on a new entrepreneurial journey, indicating a shift in his professional focus.
### Growth and Challenges at Absolute Sports
Ajay Pratap Singh joined Sportskeeda in November 2019 as Head of Marketing, later becoming COO, and was appointed CEO in November 2022. Under his leadership, Absolute Sports expanded its portfolio from a single brand to eight brands, including notable acquisitions like Pro Football Network and College Football Network. Singh’s tenure was marked by strategic expansions into gaming and entertainment, aiming to diversify and strengthen the company’s market position.
Despite these expansions, Absolute Sports faced challenges, including a significant 38.6% decline in revenue for FY26. The drop from Rs 239.6 crore in FY25 to Rs 147 crore in FY26 was attributed to reduced web traffic following Google’s March 2025 core update, highlighting the vulnerability of digital media companies to algorithm changes.
### The Competitive Landscape and Funding Environment
Absolute Sports operates in a competitive sports media landscape where companies vie for user attention and engagement. The sector has seen increased interest and investment, particularly as digital consumption of sports content continues to rise. Nazara Technologies, which acquired full ownership of Absolute Sports in March 2025, initially invested Rs 44 crore in the company in 2019, progressively increasing its stake to capitalize on the growing market.
The funding environment for sports media in India is both competitive and promising, with investors keen on platforms that can offer unique content and engage diverse audiences. However, the volatility of digital advertising revenues and reliance on search engine algorithms present ongoing challenges for companies like Absolute Sports.
### Implications for India’s Startup Ecosystem
Singh’s departure and Absolute Sports’ recent financial performance underscore critical lessons for India’s startup ecosystem, particularly for media and content-driven companies. The rapid expansion and subsequent revenue decline highlight the importance of sustainable growth strategies that are resilient to external digital market fluctuations. For emerging startups, the focus should be on building robust business models that can withstand the uncertainties of the digital advertising landscape.
As Singh transitions to his entrepreneurial venture, his journey may inspire other founders and professionals considering similar paths. His experience in scaling a company amid challenges will be invaluable in navigating the complex Indian startup environment.
Looking ahead, the next steps for Absolute Sports will be crucial. The company will need to stabilize its revenue streams and adapt to the evolving digital landscape. For investors and stakeholders in the Indian tech ecosystem, closely monitoring how Absolute Sports navigates post-Singh leadership and addresses its revenue challenges will provide insights into the resilience and adaptability of digital media firms in India.
