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Category: Sports

  • IPL: Media rights race hots up after IMG renews events deal

    MUMBAI: IPL events rights holder – the International Management Group (IMG) has reportedly renewed its partnership with the Indian Premier League (IPL) for another five years. For the last 10 years, the UK-based organisation is the primary controller of the main events related to the IPL.

    IPL media rights’ race too seems to be getting intense with Amazon, Facebook, Discovery, Jio and Twitter in the fray

    IMG had been the official events rights holders since 2008 outliving bidders such as Rhiti Sports, Wizcraft, and Group of 4, with a Rs 270 million per year deal. The deal value in 2009 was escalated to Rs 330 million.

    Expecting another windfall, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has meanwhile invited tender for media rights to the IPL for the five-year period from 2018 wherein television and digital media rights both would be auctioned. The deadline for buying tender documents is 24 August and the auction process will close on 28 August with results being announced the same day.

    Eighteen top guns from across the globe purchased tender documents last year. Sony Pictures Network (SPN) holds the television rights (2008-2017) whereas Star India holds the digital rights.

    The new race seems to be getting hotter by the day. According to the new process, digital and television rights both will be for a period of five years period. The bids will be classified into three categories — subcontinent digital rights, subcontinent television rights, and Rest of the World media rights — and five territories.

    While it is anticipated that Star India and SPN may fight for the television rights in the subcontinent region, Discovery reportedly stated it will join the auction for the sake of DSport. The digital rights war too is anticipated to be neck-and-neck as video-streaming portals will be seeking to tap the huge potential in India.

    With Hotstar by its side, while Star has done a worthy job in the last two seasons, Jio which has seen a phenomenal growth in its customer base is eventually among the frontrunners for the rights. Twitter and Facebook depend on tremendous subscriber growth and deep pockets to pocket the new IPL deal.

    Also Read :

    Swamy seeks transparency in IPL media rights through SC

    Sports channels ratings dive in week 26

    Vivo wins IPL title rights for Rs 21.9 bn

  • ISL sponsorship: Hero triples investment at Rs 1.6 bn

    MUMBAI: Hero MotoCorp has, for another three years, reportedly renewed its sponsorship arrangement with IMG Reliance and Star India-promoted Indian Super League (ISL) for Rs 1.6 billion. As Hero’s last deal with ISL in 2014 was valued at approximately Rs 500 million, it has now tripled its investment in ISL.

    Meanwhile, it’s a dream come true of magnanimous proportions for three college boys who have emerged from the ambitious inaugural Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) campus football championship. If luck is on their side – the trio could step into the league of extraordinary footballers through the upcoming Hero Indian Super League 2017-18 Indian Players Draft.

    Mumbai lad Umesh Perambra, and Ajith Sivan and Akshay Joshy from Kerala have been drafted in the Hero ISL Players Draft scheduled on Sunday, 23rd July in Mumbai. The talented trio first caught the eye of AIFF scouts during RFYS championship finals in January 2017 and soon were invited for the India U-23 AFC Championship Qualifiers selection camp under Stephen Constantine in Mumbai.

    Umesh Perambra, a central defender who played for Thakur College (Mumbai) was impressive at the back for his team as they made it to the RFYS College Finals this January. He is an attack minded defender and will be keen to get an opportunity to hone his skills in the ISL.

    Young Akshay Joshy was spotted at RFYS representing his college Sacred Heart, Kochi while Ajith Sivan is the third college boy to sign for the draft. The midfielder stood out in the RFYS finals despite his Nirmala College – Kochi ending up on losing side against Charuchandra College (Kolkata).

    As the ISL Indian Player Draft unfolds on Sunday, it will be a day of anxiety for the friends and family members of the trio, as they wait with bated breaths.Mrs. Sheela Joshy, Akshay’s mother, is ecstatic to see her son on the brink of breaking into professional football.

    “As Keralities, we are really excited on Akshay getting this opportunity in the ISL draft. It’s a huge moment for us. Akshay has always dreamed of playing football – this is a proud moment for him and our family, for him to feature in the Draft.

    “We would love if Akshay gets picked by Kerala Blasters, but we will support any team that Akshay would get a chance to play.”

    Hero ISL 2017-18 Player Draft will witness a total of 15 rounds. The sequence for selection of Player Draft rounds for each club will be determined by a draw of lots on Saturday evening.

    Also Read :

    Star Sports launches UTT campaign with promo featuring top paddlers

    Tata & JSW teams enter Indian Super League

    Hotstar & Star Sports select2 SD, HD to telecast Ultimate Table Tennis live

  • Major League Soccer to implement ‘video review’ from 5 August

    MUMBAI: Major League Soccer has confirmed that, beginning 5 August, all MLS games, including the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup, will incorporate Video Review. Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer features 22 clubs throughout the United States and Canada.

    In compliance with procedures outlined by The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the universal decision-making body for the Laws of the Game, a fifth member of a game’s officiating crew, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), located in a booth at the stadium, will have access to all available broadcast angles and check all plays for potential clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents in four game-changing situations — goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards, and cases of mistaken identity.

    The introduction of Video Review into MLS league matches is the culmination of more than three years of extensive research and testing of video review technology by MLS and the Professional Referees Organization (PRO). In addition to Video Assistant Referee-specific camps and education sessions, preparations have included more than 100 matches – both live in-game and offline tests – at stadiums around the country that have provided invaluable training opportunities for VARs and referees.

    MLS and PRO are among the pioneers of this initiative worldwide, partnering with the United Soccer Leagues (USL), to facilitate the first test in live competition, on Aug. 12, 2016 at Red Bull Arena. The IFAB will conduct a two-year global study of the implementation of video review in various competitions before making a final decision about the incorporation of the Video Assistant Referee into Laws of the Game. A decision is expected in 2018, or 2019 at the latest.

  • DSport partners with Nodwin for eSports league’s maiden broadcast in India

    MUMBAI: DSport, a sports TV channel launched by Discovery Communications India, has partnered with Nodwin Gaming to showcase the flagship esports tournament in the country – ESL India Premiership. As a part of the partnership, DSportwill telecast 90 minutes of action everyday (2 :30 – 4:00pm) starting Wednesday, 19 July, and will continue until December 2017. eSports has revolutionized the concept of sports and recently has been added as a medal event in the 2022 Asian Games.

    “We are excited to showcase eSports for the first time on television in India. The 90 minutes of intense gaming broadcast daily on DSport, for over six months, will catapult the popularity of eSports further in the country,” said Discovery Communications India senior VP & GM Karan Bajaj.

    Nodwin Gaming MD Akshat Rathee said, “eSports is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and this broadcast of the ESL India Premiership on DSport is sure to elevate their popularity to a new level. eSports has been already announced as a medal event for the 2022 Asian Games and will also hopefully make it to the 2024 Olympics, so we hope this initiative will act as a first step towards bringing glory to the country on global multi-sports platforms.”

    As a part of the ESL India Premiership 2017, DSport will telecast ‘Counter Strike: Global Offensive’ competition which will see participation from over 10,000 gamers from the South Asian region fighting for US$100,000 prize money. The Fall Season Finale of the tournament will take place in Hyderabad while the Winter Season Finale will be held in the national capital, Delhi.

    ESL India is a partnership between Germany based Turtle Entertainment’s Electronic Sports League (ESL) and India’s first-ever gaming solutions company, Nodwin Gaming. The Electronics Sports League (ESL, formerly ESPL) is the oldest and the largest eSports company in the world; globally getting gamers together, and organizing events like ESL One, IEM, Pro League and ESL National Championships.

    Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is one of the most popular multiplayer games in the esports scene. The game is also one to the top five most viewed video games online. India is no stranger to the CS:GO scene, the game has captured the imagination of lakhs of gamers in the country and the number continues to grow daily.

  • DSport acquires exclusive India broadcast rights of ‘The Open’

    MUMBAI: DSport has acquired long-term India broadcast rights of ‘The Open’, Golf’s oldest and most prestigious tournament.

    ‘The Open’ is one of the four major championships in professional golf. DSport will telecast live The 146th Open, set to get underway on 20 July 2017, at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England. Indian stars Anirban Lahiri and Shiv Kapur will be among several legends and other top stars of world golf, trying to lay their hands on the coveted Claret Jug.

    Discovery Communications India South Asia senior vice-president and general manager Karan Bajaj said, “We continue in our endeavor to offer the best of global sporting extravaganzas to sports aficionados across the country.  The acquisition of broadcast rights of The Golf will help us build and engage with the growing community of Golf followers in the country. DSport  in a short span of time has built a strong array of properties across categories such as soccer, golf, wrestling, tennis, horse-racing, motor-sports and extreme sports.”

    The live and exclusive broadcast will be in two phases across the four days of The Open.

    Telecast Timings:

    July 20: 11 AM – 2:00 PM & 6:30 PM – 00:30 AM (IST)

    July 21: 11 AM – 2:00 PM & 6:30 PM – 00:30 AM (IST)

    July 22: 6:30 PM – 00:30 AM (IST)

    July 23: 5:30 – 23:30 PM (IST)

    AlsO Read :

    DSPORT acquires long-term telecast rights for US Open Championship

    DSport acquires broadcast rights of ‘Ring of Honor’ & MMA ‘Cage Warriors’, first fight on 2 June

    DSPORT acquires tennis’ T20 equivalent ‘Tie Break Tens’, available to fans in India

    Dsport to telecast Major League Soccer in India

    DSport bags rights of Chinese League, IPL on cards

     

  • Sony ropes in Tendulkar as it rebrands sports portfolio, adds two HD channels

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Network is all set to rebrand its sports portfolio, including ESPN. SPNI’s bouquet of sports channels includes TEN 1, TEN 2, TEN 3 and Sony 6, which are set to see significant changes.

    SPNI has also roped in Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador for sports. Sony has grouped its sports brands under the business vertical — Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN).

    With the addition of two HD channels, Sony TEN 2 HD and Sony TEN 3 HD, 11 channels dedicated to bringing the best domestic and international sporting action to viewers, Sony reinforces its position as one of the largest broadcasters of sports in the Indian sub-continent.

    Programming break-up of 11 channels comprising five SD and six HD channels:

    Sony 6 and Sony 6 HD —– Cricket

    Sony TEN 1 & Sony TEN 1 HD: Wrestling entertainment

    Sony TEN 2 & Sony TEN 2 HD: Football

    Sony TEN 3 & Sony TEN 3 HD: Sporting events in Hindi

    Sony ESPN & Sony ESPN HD — International sports

    Sony TEN Golf HD —— Non-stop golf action

    Also Read:

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    Sports channels ratings dive in week 26

    FIFA U-17 draw: Hosts India to take on U.S. in Delhi

    U-20 & U-17 FIFA ’19 bidding for host launched, Sony to telecast U-17 in seven countries

  • IPL media rights invitation to tender timeline released

    MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced the timeline for Indian Premier League Media Rights ITT (2018-2022), BCCI’s acting honorary secretary Amitabh Choudhary stated in a release.

    The timeline for the ITT is as under:

    Date

    Milestones

    21-Jul-17

    Release of ITT

    05-Aug-17

    Last date for seeking clarifications

    24-Aug-17

    Last date for purchase of ITT

    28-Aug-17

    Bid Submissions

    The IPL Governing Council at its meeting held on July 11, 2017 evaluated the IPL Media Rights ITT and reconfirmed that the existing BCCI tender process is the best approach, both in terms of absolute transparency and a free and fair price discovery, for the IPL Media Rights.

    The entities that had purchased the tender documents of the IPL Media Rights, which was earlier scheduled to be held on 25 October, 2016, will be provided the tender documents of present IPL Media Rights on its release without any additional cost/charges.

    Also Read :

    Swamy seeks transparency in IPL media rights through SC

    Vivo wins IPL title rights for Rs 21.9 bn

    UCWeb: Cricket viewership soars 230%, Lucknow, Pune, Bhopal, Delhi & Mumbai see max traction

  • Pro Kabaddi 5 hikes prize money by Rs 20 mn

    MUMBAI: The stakes for Vivo Pro Kabaddi Season 5 got even higher, with announcement of a consolidated sum of Rs 80 mn as the coveted prize money for the season, which commences on 28 July, 2017, in Hyderabad. This marks a significant and unprecedented increment from Rs 20 mn, which was the prize money scheme for Season 4 of the league in 2016.

    The first match will see Telugu Titans take-on new team, Tamil Thalaivas on 28th in Hyderabad. Fans can catch the tournament live on Star Sports network and Hotstar.

    Twelve teams will clash in 138 exhilarating matches to win the desirable title, set at Rs 30 mn. The runners-up will be awarded Rs 18 mn, while the team that finishes in the third place will win Rs 12 mn. The ‘Most Valuable Player’ prize, previously awarded to Kabaddi stars like Anup Kumar and Manjeet Chillar, is also receiving a substantial boost this season, with the awardee set to win Rs 1.5 mn.

    VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season 5 Prize Money

    Team Awards

     Amount (INR Lakh)

    Winner

    300

    Runners Up

    180

    Third Place

    120

    Fourth Place

    80

    Fifth Place

    35

    Sixth Place

    35

    Individual Awards

     Amount (INR Lakh)

    MVP

    15

    Best Raider

    10

    Best Defender

    10

    Best Young Player

    8

    Best Referee Female

    3.5

    Best Referee Male

    3.5

    Total

    800

    Looking forward to a thrilling Season 5, VIVO Pro Kabaddi league commissioner Anupam Goswami said, “Even before the commencement of its fifth season, Vivo Pro Kabaddi has already traversed significant landmarks, beginning with a ground-breaking sponsorship deal, to record bids at the player auction, and now, a remarkable elevation of the consolidated prize money. The winning sum to be awarded to season 5 champions is at par with renowned leagues, making the PKL trophy a highly coveted one. The ground is now set for a fierce and dynamic 13-weeks of high-octane Kabaddi action.”

  • Premier Futsal announces 3 year association with football legend Ronaldinho

    MUMBAI: Premier Futsal, the world’s biggest Futsal tournament is all set to further strengthen its position as a sporting league with Season 2. Former Ballon D’or winner and Brazilian football player, Ronaldinho has extended his association with the league by 3 years.

    Premier Futsal has also collaborated with Dubai Sports Council which takes the tournament beyond the Indian territory with Semi Finals and Finals scheduled to take place in Dubai. With Goa paving way for Delhi and Bangalore as hosts, the geographical representation of the league has now grown to 4 cities, and more than 24 matches spread across two weeks further strengthen its status as the biggest futsal tournament in the world.

    The tournament begins on 15 September will travel to Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore before culminating in Dubai with the ultimate battle of Futsal supremacy taking place on 1 October. The six teams will play each other 7 times prior to the semi-finals which will also take place in the port city. All the matches will be broadcasted live on Sony Network.

    Premier Futsal Chairman Xavier Britto said, “We are extremely proud to have been a part of this remarkable journey that Premier Futsal has traversed in such a short span of time. Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for innovation and entrepreneurship, and motivated by his vision to make India a successful sporting nation, we are committed to foster and expand the sport even further allowing for sports enthusiasts from different geographies to come forward and engage with Futsal”
    The marquee futsal tournament revealed RR Kable Group Proprietors Rajesh Kabra and Hemant Kabra, as the Mumbai team owners of the league. Commenting on the announcement, Rajesh Kabra said, “Premier Futsal has seen significant traction in its first edition and has clearly gained stickiness amongst its TG. It gives us immense pleasure to be able to facilitate the growth of the unique sport in the city of Mumbai through this association and enable it to be an integral part of one of India’s fastest growing sports properties.”

    Premier Futsal MD Dinesh Raj said, “The fixtures for this year’s tournament have been scheduled keeping in mind the imparting of a wholesome Futsal experience to sports enthusiasts not only in India but across the world. We envision Premier Futsal to be one of the leading global sports properties in the coming years and the current expansion and diversification of Premier Futsal is in line with this vision of ours.”

    Present to mark the landmark moment, the Brazilian Football legend, Ronaldinho said, “I enjoyed and loved playing in India last year and entertaining the audience. I love the food and warmth of the Indian people. Futsal has been an important part of my life ever since I started indulging in the sport as a young kid. Premier Futsal has quickly become the biggest futsal event in the world and I am here to support this league in the long term, and make it a huge success globally. Now with Season 2 of the tournament, we want to break the glass ceiling and set the benchmark for sporting leagues across the world. We want to inspire more and more youngsters to take up the sport and all of our efforts especially the Launch Pad are directed towards bringing in youth closer to the game.”

    Mediapro, a global leader in broadcast media, marketing and sport has also made its foray in the Indian market with Premier Futsal. The strategic alliance will facilitate and create an intellectual property for Premier Futsal globally. The Spanish company will engage in delivering marketing solutions and services along with the production and distribution for all matches in season 2. Dr. Kiran Kumar, promoter of Lalitha Jewellery was also announced as a key investor in the independent sporting venture.

    Premier Futsal, the world’s largest futsal promotions company is bringing football legends, futsal superstars and home-grown talent on a unique platform in a never-seen-before made-for-TV product. The tournament was broadcasted in United Kingdom, Middle East, Europe, South America and South East Asia regions other than India. Season 2 only promises to be bigger and more engaging with more match days, greater number of host cities and a varied range of global superstars all set to participate in the sporting spectacle. The tickets for the marquee sporting event will go live soon and will available on Paytm.

  • DoIT Sports forms strategic partnership with InsideSport.co

    MUMBAI: DoIT Sports, a private sector company working for promotion and commercial growth of sports in India, and InsideSport.co, a sports business intelligence platform, formed a partnership. InsideSport, as part of the deal, shall be the Business Intelligence partner of DoIT Sports for its kabaddi and table tennis ventures.

    DoIT Sports has been successfully running the Delhi Dabang franchisee in the Pro Kabaddi League ever since its inception three years ago. The company has also acquired a franchisee – Dabang Smashers – for the forthcoming Ultimate Table Tennis league. DoIT Sports have also been the proud owners of the Hockey India League Mumbai Franchisee – Dabang Mumbai – ever since 2014.

    InsideSport.co, as DoIT Sports’ business intelligence partner, shall work towards promotion of the company’s sporting ventures, initiatives and achievements with a view to enable the company cultivate these initiatives and achievements into commercial success for commercial ventures under the aegis of DoIT sports.

    The sports business news intelligence platform will also advise the company in media and promotional content aggregation.
    “DoIT Sports has always looked for opportunities engage with the sports fans across this country. In fact our Kabaddi club, Dabang Delhi KC is the first team to cross a million fans on Facebook and we don’t want to just stop there. Throughout the partnership with InsideSport.co, DoIT Sports aims to reach and share with its hardcore fans and other stakeholders an in-depth knowledge and understanding of all sports and ventures that we are a part of,” says DoIT Sports Management India CEO Saumya Khaitan.

    “DoIT sports has an extremely professional approach for promotion of sports and the stars who make sport worth talking points. Their professional commitment towards sports and sportspersons is measured, crucial step contributing towards making India a sporting nation. These initiatives need as much mention as the success of the players on the field if sport in India has to grow professionally. These initiatives, commitments and investments shouldn’t go unnoticed. InsideSport is committed to highlight DoIT’s professional initiatives helping India become a commercially successful sporting nation,” says InsideSport.co founder director Ashish Chadha.

    “The company is contributing to Indian sports ecosystem with massive investments by way of franchisee acquisition of kabaddi and Table Tennis leagues. The whole world has seen the transformation of kabaddi from the rural Indian sport to the best non-cricketing commercial sporting venture in the country. TT holds similar potential,” adds Chadha.