In a significant development for cricket fans, the streaming rights for IPL 2025 have shifted from JioCinema to Disney+ Hotstar. This change comes as a result of the recent merger between Reliance Industries and Disney, which has led to a reconfiguration of sports broadcasting rights in India.
The Merger and Its Implications
The merger, valued at approximately ₹71,455 crores ($8.5 billion), was finalized in February 2024. It combines 120 TV channels and two major streaming platforms: JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. Following this merger, reports indicate that all live sports events, including the highly anticipated IPL matches, will now be streamed exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar.
Why the Shift?
JioCinema previously held the digital rights for IPL and other cricket matches in India. However, with the merger, there are plans to transition all sports content to Disney+ Hotstar due to its superior live streaming technology and proven track record in handling large viewership numbers. For instance, Hotstar achieved a record viewership of 59 million during the men’s Cricket World Cup finals last year.The transition is expected to be completed by January 2025, marking a return for IPL to Hotstar after it lost the streaming rights to JioCinema in 2022. This strategic move aims to enhance viewer experience by leveraging Hotstar’s advanced backend technology for live content.
The Future of Streaming Platforms
As of now, it remains unclear whether JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar will merge into a single platform or continue operating separately. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the merger in August 2024, but further details regarding content integration are still awaited.While JioCinema will continue to hold rights for other events like the English Premier League and the Indian Super League, Disney+ Hotstar is set to become the primary destination for cricket fans once again.
Conclusion
The upcoming IPL 2025 season promises to be an exciting time for cricket enthusiasts as they prepare for a new viewing experience on Disney+ Hotstar. With enhanced streaming capabilities and a rich library of sports content, this shift is poised to redefine how fans engage with their favorite sport.Disclaimer: This article is based on current news reports and may be subject to updates as new information becomes available.
