In a monumental turn of events, Viacom18 has triumphed in the fierce battle for supremacy in India’s sports broadcasting arena. This victory, achieved through the acquisition of the BCCI Media Rights for a staggering Rs 5,963 Crore, has propelled Viacom18 to the coveted position of India’s leading sports destination.
Here’s the lowdown on this game-changing transition: Viacom18 – India’s New No.1 Sports Destination
Dethroning Disney-Star
The era of Disney-Star’s reign as the go-to sports destination in India has come to an end. The dynamic duo of Sports18 and JioCinema has assumed the mantle, establishing themselves as the reigning monarchs of sports broadcasting in the country.
Viacom18’s Grand Slam
Viacom18’s impressive coup includes not only the coveted BCCI Media Rights but also an extensive portfolio of premier sports properties. They now boast the rights to the Indian Premier League (IPL Digital Rights), FIFA World Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, NBA, La Liga, Summer Olympics, and more.
Auction Triumph
In a high-stakes showdown during the e-auction held in Mumbai, Viacom18 outbid formidable competitors Disney-Star and Sony Sports to secure the BCCI Media Rights. Their triumph comprised TV rights for India’s home matches for Rs 2,862 Crore and digital rights for Rs 3,101 Crore, spanning five glorious years.
Disney-Star’s Retreat
Disney-Star, the previous torchbearer, chose to sit out of Thursday’s auction. This conspicuous absence reflected their disinterest in further investments in cricket. Despite retaining IPL TV rights and ICC Media Rights, the absence of premier sports content on their OTT platform left them trailing in the race.
The Shift in Momentum
Disney-Star Sports’ dip in popularity in India was marked by declining viewership, a jaded format, and the absence of key players in numerous matches. Consequently, they relinquished their BCCI bilaterals rights, allowing Viacom18 to seize the throne.
Viacom18’s Diverse Portfolio
Viacom18’s impressive array of sports properties now includes India bilateral cricket rights, IPL Digital Rights, Women’s Premier League, Summer Olympics, FIFA World Cup, NBA, BWF World Tour, ATP Masters 1000, Abu Dhabi T10, Diamond League, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and SA20.
The Power of Innovation
Beyond financial muscle, Viacom18’s innovative approach stands out. They pioneered 4K live streaming of sports matches in India and offered multiple camera angles and live commentary in 11 languages through JioCinema. This strategic move allowed them to capture the market, even offering these services for free.
A Smooth Journey
JioCinema initially encountered server lag and frequent crashes during IPL broadcasts. However, they swiftly addressed these issues, providing viewers with a seamless and enjoyable sports-watching experience.
Viacom18’s historic triumph in the BCCI Media Rights auction has reshaped India’s sports broadcasting landscape. Disney-Star Sports has yielded its long-held status as India’s favorite sports destination, with Sports18 and JioCinema ascending to claim the throne as the new sovereigns of sports broadcasting in the nation.
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