In a significant development for Indian football fans, Viacom18 has seized the broadcasting and streaming rights for the Indian Super League (ISL) for the 2023-24 season. This two-year deal marks a departure from Star Sports, who had held the rights since the inception of the tournament. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting shift in ISL broadcasting.
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Changing of the Guard
A New Era Begins
In January 2023, Viacom18, a prominent player in the media and entertainment industry, announced its takeover of the ISL broadcasting rights. The decision to transition from Star Sports, one of the league’s co-owners, to Viacom18 was a bold move influenced by shifting viewership trends and market dynamics.
Viacom18’s Bold Move
With increasing viewership challenges faced by Star Sports, Viacom18, which shares ownership with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), decided to take matters into its own hands. The company secured the rights for a two-year period, signaling its commitment to rejuvenating the ISL viewing experience.
The Rise of Viacom18
A Strategic Partnership
Viacom18’s involvement in the ISL is not a mere broadcasting deal; it’s a strategic partnership that aims to propel the league to new heights. The company, through its digital streaming platform JioCinema, will provide free streaming of ISL matches, enhancing accessibility for fans across India.
Digital Pioneers
JioCinema has already established itself as a pioneer in live streaming, having successfully delivered properties like the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the IPL. With this track record, fans can expect a seamless and immersive viewing experience for the upcoming ISL season.
The Future of ISL
ISL Season 10: What to Expect
ISL Season 10 promises to be an exciting chapter in the league’s history. Matches will kick off at prime time, with double headers scheduled for early evening. Fans can easily catch the action by downloading the JioCinema app on iOS and Android devices.
The Long-Term Vision
While Viacom18’s initial rights acquisition is for two years, their long-term vision for ISL is evident. The company plans to continue its partnership beyond 2023, aiming to make ISL an even more integral part of India’s sports landscape.
The Decline of Star Sports
Challenges Faced by Star Sports
Star Sports, which initially signed a 10-year deal for ISL broadcasting rights, faced a decline in viewership over recent seasons. This decline had financial repercussions and ultimately led to FSDL issuing a tender for the rights, which Viacom18 seized.
A New Player Emerges
The emergence of Viacom18 as the new broadcasting giant for ISL marks a turning point. It aligns with the ownership structure, where Viacom18 shares ties with FSDL, creating synergy that could reshape the league’s future.
A Thriving Broadcast Market
The Changing Landscape
The dynamics of the Indian sports broadcast market are evolving rapidly. With the entry of global players like Amazon and the soaring costs of rights for events like the IPL and Pro Kabaddi, the market is in a state of flux.
The Role of Sports18
In this changing landscape, Sports18 could play a pivotal role. With its growing market presence and ownership of rights to prestigious events like the Olympics, it has the potential to become a significant broadcasting partner for ISL. Coupled with its streaming services (Voot and Jio TV), Sports18 might be the catalyst for the next phase of ISL’s growth.
The transition of ISL broadcasting rights from Star Sports to Viacom18 represents a strategic move aimed at reinvigorating the league and enhancing the viewing experience for fans. As ISL Season 10 approaches, football enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting journey with Viacom18 at the helm, while the broader Indian sports broadcast market continues to evolve.
