MUMBAI: Disney Star announced on Monday that the network has renewed its exclusive broadcast rights for the Premier League for the next three seasons, from 2022/23 to 2024/25 for the Indian subcontinent.
The announcement confirms a SportzPower exclusive published on March 9.
With the extension, India’s leading broadcaster will be associated with the biggest football league in the world for over two decades. Disney Star will continue to grow the viewership of the Premier League across the Indian sub-continent by broadcasting all 380 matches across the Star Sports network and on Disney+ Hotstar.
Not surprisingly, financial terms were not disclosed. Be that as it may, and as reported earlier by this sports news business platform, available information indicates that India has witnessed another significant fall in rights value for a third cycle running.
While international TV deals will total £5.3 billion in the 2022-25 cycle, India has seen yet another fall in value, by as much as 30% – from $78 million to $55 million (including $5-6 million as marketing commitments), SportzPower has been informed by industry insiders tracking the development.
This website is given to undertsand that Sony Pictures Networks India and Viacom18 had also put in bids which were all in a similar ballpark, but the Premier League chose to go with its long-term legacy partner in India.
“We are delighted to continue our association with the Premier League and look forward to the collaboration over the next three seasons. Our joint efforts have seen viewership for the league grow manifold and we remain committed to widening its popularity as well as deepening the affiliation for its clubs,” said Sanjog Gupta, head – Sports, Disney Star. “With Premier League and the Indian Super League, we are home to the two most popular football leagues in India and will continue our endeavor to grow football fandom in the country,” he added.
Paul Molnar, Premier League chief media officer, said: “The Premier League is delighted to announce an extension of our exciting association with Disney Star. They will be an outstanding home for the Premier League over the next three seasons and we look forward to working together to showcase the League to new and existing fans throughout the Indian subcontinent.”
Disney Star has been instrumental in growing the viewership for Premier League over 10 times in the past six years. From making the content available in additional regional feeds – Malayalam and Bangla, to creating country-specific campaigns over the years, to organising on-ground activations like Select FC Screenings and Trophy Tours, Disney Star has left no stone unturned to grow the fan base and also bring fans together.
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