According to Insidesport.IN, Reliance Industries Ltd.-backed Viacom18 has acquired the exclusive media rights to broadcast and webcast ISL 2023–24. The agreement covers football games in the upcoming two seasons of the Indian Super League. Kerala Blasters FC and Bengaluru FC will play on September 21 in Kochi to kick off the ISL’s 10th season.
The ISL’s organiser, Football Sports Development Ltd (FSDL), reported losses of 46 crore in 2021–2022; 13 crore in 2020–2021; and 27 crore in the previous year. ISL’s media rights should be put up for auction, Disney Star requested as their 10-year contract with FSDL ended this year. For the first time, Viacom18 will replace Disney Star as the network airing India’s top football competition.
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The tournament has been broadcasted since its inception by Star Network. Star Sports handled marketing and sponsorship in addition to broadcasting the league, while FSDL was in charge of the production. However, taking into account Viacom 18, which has joint ownership with FSDL, they aim to obtain the broadcasting rights exclusively.
The Star Sports-owned Indian Super League (ISL) has seen a drop in viewers, which has affected their bottom line. Nearing the end of their 10-year contract, Viacom18, supported by Reliance Industries, took over.
65% of the ISL is owned by Reliance Industries through its subsidiary FSDL. Viacom18 is making a bold foray into the world of sports broadcasting, winning digital rights for the upcoming IPL season as well as rights to a number of other events like the FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games, La Liga, Serie A, and Ligue 1. Viacom18 will gain the digital and broadcast rights previously held by Star Sports.
Reliance’s ownership of the league, however, made it apparent that rival broadcasters Zed Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. or Sony Pictures Networks India would not be competing for the media rights. According to rumours, Viacom18 would begin to have the media rights as of this season.
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