Viacom18 Secures Exclusive Rights to Broadcast Indian Super League Matches for ₹550 crore

Viacom18, which is under the control of Reliance Industries Ltd, has secured the exclusive rights to broadcast and live-stream Indian Super League (ISL) football matches for the next two seasons. This marks a significant change as Disney Star, the previous official broadcaster for nine seasons, will not be renewing its rights due to financial losses and declining viewership. 

Reliance Industries, with a 65% stake in Football Sports Development Ltd (FSDL) - the organizing body of ISL, effectively eliminated rival broadcasters like Sony Pictures Networks India or Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd from contention. FSDL set a base price of ₹275 crore per season (₹550 crore for two years) for the media rights. Only two bids were received, and Viacom18 was awarded the rights at the base price. The exact deal size remains undisclosed.

Viacom18's digital platform, JioCinema, will stream ISL matches for free. This platform previously streamed events like the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the 2023 Indian Premier League. Both FSDL and Viacom18 are optimistic about this partnership, believing it will contribute to the growth of football in India and provide an enhanced experience for fans. This development aligns with ISL's role in catalyzing the progress of football in India over the past decade.