MUMBAI: Reliance-owned entertainment brands, Jio TV on OTT and VH1 (Viacom18’s English music channel) will be broadcasting the second leg of the semifinal of the Copa del Rey, Spain’s oldest football competition in India, Television Post reports.
The first semifinal was the ‘El Clasico’ between Barcelona and Real Madrid, that was broadcast on the wee hours of Thursday morning. On the other hand, the second semifinal between Valencia and Real Betis will take place at 1.30 AM IST on Friday.
The development marks Jio TV’s second major sports acquisition following its September 2018 announcement of joining hands with Star India to broadcast all cricket matches in India free-of-cost for the next 5 years.
On the other hand, Viacom18’s popular MTV channel had begun showcasing England’s Carabao Cup football competition in India last year, making Copa del Rey the second top international football property for Reliance on television.
“Through the years, Vh1 India has offered comprehensive entertainment to viewers, ranging from the best of international music to the biggest music, film & entertainment awards, from the grandest pop-culture affairs to landmark sporting events. We’re giving eager fans in India an opportunity to watch, witness and experience momentous events simultaneously as they happen in any part of the globe,” Viacom18 English Entertainment Programming head Hashim D’Souza told the media portal.
“Following the tremendous response to the telecast of the Carabao Cup Final, we’re excited to bring yet another set of iconic football matches to fans. Boasting a history of over 100 years, Copa Del Rey is one of the most reputed and sought-after titles in Spanish football, and it doesn’t get bigger than the ‘El Clásíco’ in the world of club football.”
