MUMBAI: Soon after buying out Taj Television from Bukhatir Group, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) has created a separate distribution entity for its sports channels, much like ESPN Star Sports.

Zee Sports and Ten Sports will be distributed by Zeel‘s subsidiary, Taj Television (India) from 1 February. The two channels are currently handled by Zee Turner.
 
"Ten Sports and Zee Sports are distributed across 4,000 cities and towns. This will be discontinued from the midnight of 31 January," Zeel said.

All the multi system operators (MSOs), local cable operators (LCOs), direct to home (DTH) and IPTV shall pay the subscription fee for the period after 1 February to Taj Television (India).  
 
Said Zeel Sports business CEO Atul Pande, “Sports distribution has specific requirements for which a dedicated team catering to this market is a must, we have thus set up a nationwide team of experienced professionals under Taj Television India who would help enhance the servicing and maximize values for us and our associates.”

The company claims a reach of 71 million C&S homes across India through the two channels.