Image Source: AP
[Saba Sports News] The substantial merger between Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) and Disney Star is set to transform the broadcasting sector, especially in cricket, by centralizing the control of significant cricket broadcasts under one umbrella. This move positions Jio Cinema as the key digital hub for cricket content, encompassing everything from ICC tournaments to the IPL and domestic competitions, with Star Sports maintaining its role for linear broadcast.
This integration, resulting from an INR 70,352 crore deal, may phase out Disney Hotstar, transitioning its cricket content, including ICC events, to Jio Cinema. Meanwhile, Star Sports is expected to continue airing these events alongside IPL matches. The merger could also affect Sports 18’s standing, potentially shifting major cricket broadcasts to Star Sports.
The finalization of this merger awaits approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and other legal clearances, with expectations of materializing changes within 10-12 months.
Therefore, the upcoming IPL 2024 and the T20 World Cup will remain broadcasted on Hotstar and Star Sports. Future broadcasts, like the Champions Trophy, might see shifts in platform distribution, and there’s speculation about a rebranding of Star Sports possibly to Jio Star Sports.
The joint venture, endorsed by Walt Disney and set to merge Viacom18’s media sector with Star India, aims to enhance the cricket viewing experience, ensuring the continuity of cricket content on expanded and integrated platforms, much to the benefit of cricket governing bodies like BCCI and ICC.