Ajay Pratap Singh has announced his resignation as the Chief Executive Officer of Absolute Sports, the Nazara Technologies-owned parent company of Sportskeeda. His departure comes after more than three and a half years at the helm, during which he guided the company through a period of significant expansion. Singh is now set to embark on an entrepreneurial journey, leaving the sports media giant at a pivotal moment of strategic realignment.
A Journey of Leadership
Singh's tenure at Absolute Sports was marked by a steady ascent through its leadership ranks, culminating in his appointment as CEO. He initially joined the organization in November 2019 as the Head of Marketing, bringing valuable experience from his prior roles at Dainik Bhaskar Group and Tally Solutions. His strategic contributions quickly led to his promotion to Chief Operating Officer, a position he held for two years.
In November 2022, Singh took over the CEO role from the company's founder, Porush Jain, continuing the brand's growth trajectory. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the company's operational and marketing strategies during a critical phase. This progression from a marketing head to the chief executive highlights his deep involvement in the company's evolution over the past several years.
Driving Growth Through Acquisition
Under Ajay Pratap Singh's leadership, Absolute Sports transformed from a single-brand entity into a diversified media network. This strategic expansion was primarily fueled by a series of targeted acquisitions across sports, gaming, and entertainment sectors. The company's portfolio grew to include eight distinct brands, significantly broadening its audience reach and content offerings.
Key acquisitions during this period included Pro Football Network, College Football Network, and Deltia’s Gaming, among others. This aggressive growth strategy also brought Soap Central, TJRWrestling, ITRWrestling, and Primetimer into the Absolute Sports family. These moves demonstrated a clear vision to build a comprehensive digital media powerhouse beyond its flagship Sportskeeda brand.
Navigating Financial and Market Shifts
The leadership transition occurs as Absolute Sports confronts notable financial challenges and its parent company reconsiders its portfolio. The company reported a significant 38.6% decline in revenue for the fiscal year 2026, with figures dropping to ₹147 crore from ₹239.6 crore the previous year. This downturn has been publicly attributed to reduced web traffic following a Google core search update in March 2025.
This financial performance coincides with reports that parent company Nazara Technologies is exploring the sale of its esports and ad-tech businesses. Nazara, which completed its full acquisition of Absolute Sports in March 2025, aims to sharpen its focus on its more profitable gaming division. The strategic shift at the parent level adds another layer of complexity to the future direction of Absolute Sports.
A Founder's Next Chapter
In a reflective LinkedIn post, Singh confirmed his plans to launch his own business, stating he was "officially moving to the other side of the table." While he did not disclose specific details about his new venture, his announcement signals a move into entrepreneurship. He emphasized that the most rewarding part of his journey was the vibrant and collaborative culture built within the team.
Singh fondly recalled his time at the company, describing brainstorming sessions as feeling like "catching up with school or college friends." He expressed immense pride in the team's resilience and the positive work environment they cultivated together. His forward-looking statement indicates a new chapter focused on building a venture from the ground up.
Ajay Pratap Singh's departure marks the end of a transformative era for Absolute Sports, defined by rapid expansion and diversification. His successor will inherit a company with a broader portfolio but also one navigating significant market headwinds and a strategic pivot by its parent, Nazara Technologies. The industry will be keenly observing the next steps for both Singh in his new entrepreneurial role and for Absolute Sports as it charts its course forward.