Disney Extends English Premier League Rights In India
Disney is holding onto its English Premier rights in India for another three years but at a significantly lower cost.
With the deal in place, the internationally popular soccer league will remain on Disney Star through the end of the 2024–2025 season, thus maintaining their relationship with the Star Network that has lasted over 25 years.
While the terms of the deal were not disclosed, the new agreement represents an almost 25% drop in value from the last 3-year term and a 65% decrease in the previous three cycles.
“The Premier League is delighted to announce an extension of our exciting association with Disney Star,” stated Paul Molnar, the Premier League’s chief media officer. “They will be an outstanding home for the Premier League over the next three seasons and we look forward to working together to showcase the league to new and existing fans throughout the Indian subcontinent.”
The EPL’s deal extension in India brings the League’s total broadcast rights to $13.6 billion for the upcoming term. Per Inside Sport, $6.9 billion of that can be attributed to international rights.
Also worth noting, the deal includes broadcast rights to all 380 Premier League matches each season. And according to Star, viewership has increased 10-fold over the last six years. Broadcasting is now available in English, Bangla, and Malayalam.
“We are delighted to continue our association with the Premier League and look forward to the collaboration over the next three seasons,” stated Sanjog Gupta, head of sports at Disney Star.
“Our joint efforts have seen viewership for the league grow manifold and we remain committed to widening its popularity as well as deepening the affiliation for its clubs.
“With Premier League and the Indian Super League (ISL), we are home to the two most popular football leagues in India and will continue our endeavour to grow football fandom in the country.”
Star India and its streaming service Hotstar have been connected with Disney since The Mouse bought out 21st Century Fox in 2018 as part of a $71 billion deal.
