Mumbai: Disney+ Hotstar which was in the running for the Indian Premier League digital broadcast rights decided to drop out due to the high price of the rights package.
Disney Star participated in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) media rights e-auction and stated that it made disciplined bids with a focus on long-term value.
The company retained the TV broadcast rights to the tournament for the next five years for a substantial price of Rs 23,575 crore or Rs 57.5 crore per match. “We made disciplined bids with a focus on long-term value. We chose not to proceed with the digital rights given the price required to secure that package,” stated Campbell.
“We are pleased to extend our association with the Indian Premier League and look forward to offering the next five seasons across our portfolio of television channels,” said Campbell. “IPL is an important component of our portfolio of television channels in India, providing an incredible opportunity for us to showcase The Walt Disney Company’s powerful global brands and iconic storytelling, as well as Disney Star’s impressive collection of local original content, to millions of viewers in India.”
Disney Star India will explore other multi-platform cricket rights controlled by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The company holds the rights to premier sports properties such as Pro Kabaddi League, Indian Super League Football as well as various international rights including Tennis Grand Slam Wimbledon Championships and the English Premier League.
Disney Star operates a portfolio of more than 70 television channels in India that cut across general entertainment, films, sports, infotainment, kids and lifestyle content reaching 90 per cent of pay cable and satellite TV homes in the region.
The company’s OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar has 100 local original titles in the pipeline with over 80 originals slated to premier this fiscal year. Last year, seven out of the top ten most popular Hindi subscription-video-on-demand (SVOD) entertainment series in India were Hotstar Specials. "Disney+ Hotstar has changed the way Indians watch their entertainment - from favourite locally produced original TV shows to global blockbuster films,” said Campbell.
