HYDERABAD: After a two-year hiatus, top level volleyball action will return to Indian screens with the launch of the Prime Volleyball League.
Taking a cue from top international leagues like the NBA, Prime Volleyball League will operate under a model in which franchise owners are also stakeholders in the holding organization of the league. This offers the team owners and investors more value and fosters long term associations and a stable financial structure.
The first edition of the Prime Volleyball League will feature six teams, five of which were franchises previously associated with the now disbanded Pro Volleyball League (the reasons for which are well documented and have everything to do with the internecine feuding within the Volleyball Federation of India).
The five teams from the league’s previous avatar are Calicut Heroes, Kochi Blue Spikers, Ahmedabad Defenders, Hyderabad Black Hawks and Chennai Blitz. In addition there is a new entrant – Bengaluru Torpedoes – whose lead owner is Ankit Nagori, founder of EatFit.
The league will be telecast on the Sony Pictures Network and will be exclusively marketed by Baseline Ventures. Fantasy games leaders A23 have signed on as “Powered By” sponsors in a multi-year deal.
Speaking about the development, Joy Bhattacharya, CEO, Prime Volleyball League, said: “We have already seen the quality of talent in the country; our endeavour is to provide this talent the right kind of platform to grow. This kind of structure, where franchises are committed for the long term gives the game an opportunity to grow in a sustained manner, and that is the best thing possible for Indian volleyball.
Speaking on behalf of the franchises, Thomas Muthoot of the Muthoot Pappachan Group, owner of Kochi Blue Spikers, said: “Our first association with the sport in 2019 was very successful. We are delighted to continue this association with this new structure that is a win-win for both franchises and the players.”
Neville Bastawalla · SVP & head – Marketing & On Air Promotions, Sports Channels at Sony Pictures Networks India, added, “There is a huge appetite for volleyball in India and in fact it was among the most watched sports during the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 on our network, even though there was no Indian participation. The success of the league the last time around, combined with the high-octane action of the sport makes the Prime Volleyball League a great addition to the sports portfolio of Sony Pictures Networks India. We are keen to work closely with the stakeholders of the league to build both the league and the sport with viewers in India.”
Deepak Gullapalli, CEO Head Digital Works was excited about their association with the league. “Fantasy Sport is growing at a frenetic rate, and we at A23 are always looking to broaden the appeal of sport both within and beyond cricket. Volleyball, with its widespread urban and rural appeal is a huge potential growth area, and our custom designed volleyball fantasy offering will drive a whole new set of consumers to the sport.’
The League will shortly be announcing the dates for the auction and the schedule for the coming season of action.
In its continuing quest to provide opportunities for both upcoming players and coaching staff, the Prime Volleyball League has also tied up with Piston Des Sports to create a portal for potential players and coaching staff to register and get an opportunity to be a part of the action.
Interested players and coaching staff can register at www.pistondessport.com
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