ITV

Category: Sports

  • Sony Sports doubles down on desi connect with new Tamil and Telugu channels

    Sony Sports doubles down on desi connect with new Tamil and Telugu channels

    MUMBAI: Sony Sports Network is speaking the language of Indian fans literally. From 10 July 2025, the broadcaster will launch Sony Sports Ten 4 Tamil and Sony Sports Ten 4 Telugu, two standalone sports channels tailored exclusively for Tamil- and Telugu-speaking audiences.

    With this move, the network is not just adding channels—it’s sharpening its pitch. The new avatars promise culturally resonant, language-specific programming designed to deliver premium sports entertainment straight to the heartlands, with zero translation lag and 100 per cent local flavour.

    The Hindi feed is also getting a style upgrade. The current Sony Sports Ten 3 (SD) and Ten 3 HD channels will be rechristened Sony Sports Ten 3 Hindi and Sony Sports Ten 3 Hindi HD, making the offering crystal clear for viewers switching between formats.

    Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – distribution & international business and head – sports business, Rajesh Kaul said, “The launch of Sony Sports Ten 4 Tamil and Sony Sports Ten 4 Telugu is our endeavour to provide localized content on dedicated Tamil and Telugu sports channels that make it easier than ever for fans to enjoy their favourite sporting moments in the language of their choice. This launch is about creating a seamless viewing experience and building a stronger emotional connection with our audiences in the regional markets.We aim to bring premium sports content closer to home and deliver the joy of live sports in a way that feels personal and relevant.”

    This regional realignment underscores Sony’s commitment to offering more personalised, emotionally connected viewing experiences. For fans who cheer in their mother tongue, the message is loud and clear: your game, your language, your channel.

  • RCB crowned kings as IPL brand value hits $18.5bn in record-breaking 2025 season

    RCB crowned kings as IPL brand value hits $18.5bn in record-breaking 2025 season

    MUMBAI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) juggernaut stormed into 2025 with record-breaking viewership, blockbuster auctions, and soaring brand valuations—cementing its status as one of the world’s most valuable sporting properties.

    According to Houlihan Lokey’s latest IPL Valuation Study, the business value of the league has surged to a staggering $18.5 billion—up 12.9 per cent year on year: in rupee terms that tots up to Rs 156,568 crore -a 16.1 per cent growth. Its brand value alone clocked in at $3.9 billion, a 13.8 per cent jump while in rupee terms it grew 16.1 per cent again to Rs 32,721 crore.  The numbers reflect not only the league’s financial firepower but also its bulletproof commercial appeal amid global uncertainty.

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally shed their “chokers” tag after 17 seasons to lift their maiden IPL trophy, catapulting them to the No. 1 brand spot with a valuation of $269 million. Virat Kohli’s on-field heroics and Rajat Patidar’s captaincy delivered a fairytale finish that sent digital viewership through the roof—JioHotstar recorded a peak of 678 million views during the final, eclipsing even the India–Pakistan ICC clash earlier this year.

    Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) retained their spots in the top three, with brand values of $242 million and $235 million, respectively. While MI impressed with eight wins and Hardik Pandya’s smooth takeover as captain, CSK’s season was defined by MS Dhoni’s calm return to the helm amid injuries and a rebuilding phase.

    The 2025 season also saw record media rights revenues, a $300 million extension of Tata Group’s title sponsorship till 2028, and mega-bucks player signings—Rishabh Pant fetched a record $3.19 million at the auction.  The franchises spent a record 76 million (Rs 639.15 crore) on player acquisition. The BCCI sold four associate sponsor slots for Rs 1,485 crore, up 25 per cent from the previous cycle, while advertising revenues soared to an estimated $600 million—up 50 per cent YoY. The franchises spent a record 76 million (Rs 639.15 crore) on player acquisition. 

    Franchisees continued to ride high on asset-light models and predictable revenue streams. Top teams clocked Rs 6,500–7,000 million in annual revenue with over 80 per cent visibility secured pre-season, aided by front-loaded sponsorships and tight salary caps. The league’s capital-light structure and OTT-driven audience growth make it a poster child for high-yield sports investments.

    Meanwhile, Punjab Kings emerged as the fastest-growing brand in 2025, leaping to $141 million in value. With Shreyas Iyer as captain, and bold marketing campaigns like “Sarpanch Sahab” driving regional fandom, the franchise not only made it to the finals but also dominated digital chatter.

    As cricket’s footprint grows beyond its traditional bastions—with the ICC Champions Trophy breaking global viewership records and the US hosting marquee events—the IPL remains the sport’s commercial and cultural vanguard. It’s no longer just a league; it’s a billion-dollar blueprint for the future of cricket.

  • Pickleball fever returns as Global Sports serves up Monsoon Championship 3.0 with $60,000 prize pot

    Pickleball fever returns as Global Sports serves up Monsoon Championship 3.0 with $60,000 prize pot

    MUMBAI: Global Sports is bringing the thunder (and a lot of paddle) back to Navi Mumbai with the return of the Monsoon Pickleball Championship 3.0—India’s largest indoor pickleball tournament is set to smash into action from 29 July to 3 August at the Cidco Exhibition Centre, Vashi.

    Now in its third edition, MPC 3.0 promises an upgraded experience, featuring 17 air-conditioned indoor courts, a record $60,000 prize pool, and more than 800 top-tier athletes from across India and the world.

    Open to players across all skill levels and age groups from Pro and Advanced, to 30+, 40+, Juniors, Seniors, and Women’s team events, the tournament is positioned to be a mega-monsoon blockbuster for the fast-growing pickleball community.

    Speaking about the upcoming edition, Global Sports founder Hemal Jain said, “Our vision with the Monsoon Pickleball Championship has always been to give Indian athletes a global platform and redefine the scale of racquet sports in India. With MPC 3.0, we’re not just raising the bar, we’re setting a new benchmark for international pickleball events in Asia.”

    Last year’s edition saw competitors clash in over 40 categories, drawing massive attention from fans and sports enthusiasts alike. MPC 3.0 now aims to up the ante with more adrenaline, tighter rallies, and a chance to witness rising stars stake their claim on the global stage.

    Registrations are now open, and with that prize money and prestige on the line, it’s game on. Rain or shine, Navi Mumbai’s about to get loud.

  • Ishan Chatterjee steps in as JioStar’s new sports and live experiences boss

    Ishan Chatterjee steps in as JioStar’s new sports and live experiences boss

    MUMBAI: Ishan Chatterjee has been named chief executive – sports and live experiences at JioStar, stepping into the hot seat vacated by Sanjog Gupta, who now helms the International Cricket Council (ICC) as its chief executive officer.

    Chatterjee will continue to juggle his responsibilities as chief business officer – sports revenue, SMB & creators, even as he steers JioStar’s live sports ambitions. He joined the media giant in 2024 (then JioCinema), following a 13-year innings at Google, where he was last managing director of YouTube India.

    A Wharton and St. Stephen’s College, Delhi alum, Chatterjee has done time at McKinsey & Co and Hindustan Unilever.

    With nearly 20 years of skin in the game across media, consulting, and consumer goods, he now takes the pitch at JioStar with a stacked playbook.

  • JioStar top executive Sanjog Gupta named ICC CEO

    JioStar top executive Sanjog Gupta named ICC CEO

    MUMBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Sanjog Gupta as its new chief executive officer, marking a bold leadership move at a time when cricket is chasing global expansion and Olympic glory. Gupta, currently CEO – sports & live experiences at JioStar, will take charge on from 7 July becoming the seventh CEO in the ICC’s history.

    A media and sports veteran with over two decades of experience, Gupta is widely credited with reshaping India’s sports broadcast landscape. He previously headed Disney Star’s sports business, playing a key role in scaling the IPL, ICC events, and launching leagues such as PKL and ISL. His appointment follows a global recruitment drive that drew over 2,500 applicants from 25 countries.

    ICC chairman Jay Shah said, “Sanjog brings extensive experience in sports strategy and commercialisation, which will be invaluable for the ICC. His deep understanding of the global sports as well as M&E landscape combined with his continued curiosity about the cricket fan’s perspective and passion for technology will prove essential in our ambition to grow the game in the coming years. Our goal is to move beyond traditional boundaries and establish cricket as a regular sport in the Olympics, growing its expanse across the world and deepening its roots in its core markets.

    We considered several exceptional candidates for this position, but the nominations committee unanimously recommended Sanjog. The ICC board directors look forward to working closely with him, and I would like to welcome him on behalf of everyone at the ICC.”

    Gupta’s selection was unanimously recommended by a nominations panel featuring ICC deputy chair Imran Khwaja, ECB chair Richard Thompson, SLC president Shammi Silva, and BCCI honorary secretary Devajit Saikia, before being approved by Shah and ratified by the full ICC board.

    Gupta said he was “honoured” to lead cricket at a pivotal moment. “It is a privilege to have this opportunity, especially at a time when cricket is poised for unprecedented growth and enjoys the passionate support of almost 2 billion fans worldwide. These are exciting times for the sport as marquee events grow in stature, commercial avenues widen and opportunities such as the women’s game scale in popularity. Cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and the rapid acceleration of technology deployment/adoption could act as force-multipliers for the Cricket movement around the world,” he concluded.

    Gupta took over as CEO of JioStar Sports in late 2024 following the Viacom18–Disney Star merger. Known for fusing business savvy with creative storytelling, he championed innovations such as multi-language coverage and digital-first formats — especially around women’s sports.

    The ICC, under his leadership, will now look to script cricket’s next global chapter.

  • Gill’s edge and streaming surge put JioHotstar in Test match mode

    Gill’s edge and streaming surge put JioHotstar in Test match mode

    MUMBAI: When India stepped out at Headingley with Shubman Gill at the helm, it wasn’t just a fresh chapter in Test cricket, it was a record-breaking moment on screen too. The first Test of the India-England series didn’t just set the WTC 2025–27 cycle in motion; it also bowled over the digital scoreboard on JioHotstar.

    With 89.1 million viewers and a staggering 13.7 billion minutes of watch-time, the opening Test became the highest-ever reached red-ball match on the platform. Five-language coverage (English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada) and exclusive content like the behind-the-scenes series Follow The Blues ensured fans were hooked well beyond the boundary.

    JioHotstar added a cheeky twist with a promo featuring Rohit Sharma giving out “Test tips,” while the ‘When India Challenged the Crown’ segment took fans on a nostalgia trip through India’s legacy in England.

    As India’s red-ball reboot gathers steam, the streaming numbers suggest the audience is already on board. The second Test begins 2 July in Birmingham, with four more matches to potentially rewrite more records.

    In parallel, the WTC Final 2025 where South Africa broke their ICC title drought by defeating Australia delivered knockout numbers of its own. It became the most-watched Non-India Test match ever on linear TV, logging 2.95 billion minutes and reaching 47 million viewers.

    On JioHotstar, it smashed another record with 41.4 million digital viewers, toppling even the 2023 India vs Australia final.

    From broadcast to broadband, Test cricket in 2025 is not just holding its ground, it’s thriving in technicolour. And with India’s new leadership making waves and streaming platforms like JioHotstar turning numbers into headlines, the future of long-format cricket seems anything but slow-paced.

  • Smashing debut for IOS as Tanvi Sharma joins athlete roster

    Smashing debut for IOS as Tanvi Sharma joins athlete roster

    MUMBAI: A new shuttle star is on the rise and IOS Sports and Entertainment is ready to back her all the way to the podium. The agency has signed 16-year-old badminton sensation Tanvi Sharma as an exclusive athlete, adding the Hoshiarpur-based prodigy to its elite roster that already includes names like Mirabai Chanu, Manika Batra, and Lovlina Borgohain.

    Fresh off her Super 300 US Open finals appearance, Tanvi brings more than just promise to the table. She’s already got a stack of medals: Silver at the Badminton Asia Youth Championships 2023, Gold at the 2024 Asia Team Championships, and an impressive Silver at the Senior Nationals last year where she held her own against India’s top adult talent.

    “Her work ethic and achievements at just 16 speak volumes,” said IOS Sports and Entertainment COO Rahul Trehan. “We see tremendous potential in her and are committed to supporting her rise in global badminton.”

    As part of the deal, Tanvi will receive comprehensive management and development support as she sharpens her game for bigger stages national and international.

    With a training base in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, and a dream to make it to the world’s biggest badminton arenas, Tanvi’s journey is only just beginning. But with IOS backing her, it’s clear she’s not just playing to participate, she’s in it to win.

    And if her medal count is anything to go by, it won’t be long before Tanvi Sharma becomes a household name in Indian sport.

  • Kabaddi goes global with Rs 48 crore WSKL set for 2026 Dubai debut

    Kabaddi goes global with Rs 48 crore WSKL set for 2026 Dubai debut

    MUMBAI: From mud courts to the world stage Kabaddi is getting a passport stamp. SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd, the force behind the successful Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), has announced the launch of the World Super Kabaddi League (WSKL), an international franchise-based kabaddi extravaganza set to kick off in February–March 2026 in Dubai.

    Touted as Kabaddi’s boldest global leap yet, WSKL has already received confirmations from 20 national federations, with 30 countries actively engaged in shaping the league. Backed by the International Kabaddi Federation and the South Asian Kabaddi Federation, WSKL aims to not only attract eyeballs across continents but also make a serious pitch for Olympic inclusion.

    The league’s format will feature eight franchise teams, with rosters mixing international stars and top Indian players. To match this global ambition, WSKL has committed a Rs 48 crore player purse in its debut season signalling both serious investment and serious intent.

    “With WSKL, the world becomes the playing field,” said SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd founder Sambhav Jain. “Our vision is Olympic-sized, we’re here not just to entertain, but to evolve the sport into a global property that thrives year-round, not just seasonally.”

    Unlike UPKL’s domestic focus under the rallying cry of Apna Bharat, Apna Khel, WSKL is all about building a borderless Kabaddi ecosystem. Participating countries already include South Korea, Iran, Japan, Thailand, Canada, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the United States, with more nations expected to come on board as the countdown begins.

    But WSKL isn’t just about the tournament weeks. It’s being positioned as a 12-month Kabaddi ecosystem, offering off-season fan engagement, long-term player development, and a pipeline of international talent. That’s a far cry from the one-off seasonal formats currently dominating the sport.

    Dubai, with its neutral ground and strategic accessibility, has been selected as the inaugural host city, a move aimed at attracting a global audience and spotlighting Kabaddi on an international scale.

    With the whistle blown for what promises to be a high-stakes power play for the sport’s future, WSKL is more than just a league, it’s a leap. And if all goes to plan, Kabaddi might just tackle its way into the Olympic fold.

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  • Reise Moto shifts Supercross fandom into high gear with ISRL fan parks in Season 2

    Reise Moto shifts Supercross fandom into high gear with ISRL fan parks in Season 2

    MUMBAI: Racing in India is no longer just a blur of wheels and dust on television. It’s now a family affair, a weekend escape, and a full-throttle festival. As the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) gears up for Season 2 between October and December 2025, it’s revving up not just the tracks, but the fanfare.

    ISRL has announced the launch of its high-octane ISRL Fan Parks, presented by Reise Moto, turning race weekends into full-fledged motorsport carnivals across host cities. These fan-first zones are slated to open two days before each Sunday race, and will feature everything from pit-lane access to AR gaming zones, merging adrenaline with accessibility.

    Reise Moto, already an associate sponsor of ISRL, takes pole position as presenting partner for the fan parks. “At Reise Moto, being a community-first performance brand, fostering motorsports ecosystem with globally acclaimed products for budding and pro racers. Our association with ISRL is rooted in shared values – performance, passion, and innovation”, said Reise Moto MD Yogesh Mahansaria.

    The fan parks promise racing tutorials, tech workshops, pit crew demos, and even electric bike zones for children. Over 5,000 families are expected to attend each weekend, making it India’s first true motorsport family experience. Adding more punch are live music gigs, cultural acts, food trucks, and VIP lounges. Think Grand Prix meets Glastonbury.

    ISRL co-founder Eeshan Lokhande emphasised that this is more than just fanfare. “ISRL isn’t just about racing it’s about building a new era of motorsport culture in India. Through the Fan Park, we’re inviting fans to go behind the scenes, meet the athletes, watch pit crews in action, and experience the sheer energy of Supercross up close”, he said.

    The parks will roll into each of ISRL’s race cities from October, with highlights including VR racing games, DIY bike zones, kids’ mini tracks, and rider meet-and-greets. It’s motorsport reimagined for the masses, aimed at bringing both seasoned petrolheads and newcomers under one turbo-charged tent.

    The league, run by Team Supercross India (SXI), founded by former racers Veer Patel and Lokhande, is fast gaining traction. Reise Moto too has revved up its presence in Indian biking circuits—offering Dakar-spec tyres, a European gear lineup, and 3,000+ dealers nationwide.

    From its Gujarat factory to the pit lanes of India’s biggest race weekends, Reise Moto seems intent on steering Indian motorsport fandom into a new lane—faster, louder, and a whole lot more inclusive.

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  • APOS 2025: How JioStar turns sports into co-creation, not just consumption

    APOS 2025: How JioStar turns sports into co-creation, not just consumption

    BALI:  JioStar is no longer content with just broadcasting sport—it’s rewriting the production storybook altogether. Speaking at APOS 2025 in Bali, JioStar head of sports production services & technology Prashant Khanna laid out a bold vision: India as the epicentre of global sports innovation.

    “We don’t just see ourselves as broadcasters or production partners,” Khanna said during a high-energy fireside chat. “We’re in the business of helping India create iconic sporting memories.”

    Khanna spotlighted JioStar’s end-to-end reimagining of the sports viewing experience—infused with tech, empathy, and staggering interactivity. Think sign-language feeds, descriptive audio for the visually impaired, vertical videos, motion-capture-powered kids’ streams, and multi-cam toggles.

    “The modern fan doesn’t want to just watch—they want to co-create,” Khanna stressed. “Millions are producing their own version of the game in real time. That’s the expectation.”

    A major catalyst behind this transformation? Starlab, JioStar’s in-house innovation unit that’s quietly building a cloud-native production stack in collaboration with AWS, creators, and start-ups. The result: hyper-personalised, scalable, and immersive experiences beamed across devices in formats fans choose.

    Khanna also highlighted JioStar’s deep investment in talent pipelines through its partnership with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies—a government-led effort to skill the next generation in sports and live production.

    “It’s not just about what audiences see today. It’s about who shapes that experience tomorrow,” he said.
    Citing the recently concluded 18th season of the IPL as a “turning point,” Khanna revealed the company’s key takeaway: audiences don’t want passive content anymore.

    ““It’s been an eye-opener every single time, but this year, our biggest learning was how deeply involved the consumer is. They no longer want to passively consume what you’re serving them—they want to be part of shaping how the game unfolds over those 4–5 hours.”

    “We saw this play out every day for 2.5 months, through a variety of formats and platforms. Whether it was widescreen or vertical video, Sunday cohort feeds, or kids’ IPs brought to life through motion capture, the engagement was constant. It reinforced that delivering the game in a way fans understand and love is no longer optional-it’s essential,” he said.

    With India firmly on the front foot, JioStar’s playbook proves one thing: the future of sport is no longer just played. It’s produced, personalised, and powered by fans.