ITV

Category: Sports

  • Espn & NBA announce 2025 Ruffles® All-Star Celebrity Game roster

    Espn & NBA announce 2025 Ruffles® All-Star Celebrity Game roster

    MUMBAI: No Valentine’s day plans? No problem. ESPN has your entertainment sorted.

    The 2025 Ruffles® NBA All-Star Celebrity Game is set to bring an electrifying mix of sports and entertainment to Oakland Arena on Friday, 14 February, at 7 p.m. ET, airing exclusively on ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or just here for the celebrity chaos, this showdown promises to be the perfect distraction from heart-shaped chocolates and overpriced prix-fixe dinners.

    The lineup includes Indian rap star AP Dhillon, Grammy-nominated musicians, Olympic athletes, and actors. Dhillon, known for blending Punjabi music with hip-hop and pop, joins Team Rice, led by Hall of Famer Jerry Rice and influencer Khaby Lame.

    The roster features comedians, musicians, and athletes, including Druski, Noah Kahan, Shaboozey, Terrell Owens, Chris Brickley, Masai Russell, Shelby McEwen, Mickey Guyton, Rome Flynn, Matt Barnes, Danny Ramirez, Bayley, Oliver Stark, Pablo Schreiber, and Tucker Halpern. Kai Cenat, Dylan Wang, Baron Davis, and Walker Hayes return for another game. WNBA stars Allisha Gray and Kayla Thornton will also join opposing teams.

    The coaching lineup features an exciting mix of music, sports, and digital media icons. Leading the charge is 2 Chainz, the multiplatinum recording artist known for his charisma on and off the court. He is joined by NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, whose legendary presence brings a winning mindset to the game. Barry Bonds, the MLB All-Time Home Run King, adds a competitive edge, while globally renowned social media influencer Khaby Lame brings his signature style to the coaching bench.

    Host Cassidy Hubbarth returns for MVP presentations and exclusive interviews. Mark Jones, Richard Jefferson, and Stephanie White will provide commentary.

    The event kicks off with the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Green Carpet, presented by Wingstop, with exclusive coverage on NBA and Espn social media. Fans can also enjoy the Ruffles® 4-Point Ridgeline and Ruffles® Crunch Time.

  • Waves OTT to stream DFB-Pokal quarterfinals live, free & exclusive

    Waves OTT to stream DFB-Pokal quarterfinals live, free & exclusive

    MUMBAI: Indian football fans, get ready for some top-tier German football action! Prasar Bharati’s Waves OTT is bringing the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals live and free to India, marking another milestone in the platform’s rapid expansion into live sports broadcasting.

    Starting 4 February, Waves will stream the high-intensity knockout battles of Germany’s premier club cup competition, ensuring Indian fans get a front-row seat to the action. This move signals a major boost for Waves OTT as it cements itself as a go-to destination for live sports streaming.

    Quarterfinals match schedule:

    . 4 February: VfB Stuttgart vs. FC Augsburg

    .  5 February: Bayer Leverkusen vs. FC Köln

    .  25 February: DSC Arminia Bielefeld vs. SV Werder Bremen

    .  26 February: RB Leipzig vs. VfL Wolfsburg

    Football lovers can expect edge-of-the-seat excitement as some of Germany’s top clubs battle it out for cup glory. With electrifying matchups and high stakes, the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals promise non-stop action.

    The DFB-Pokal debut marks a significant moment for Waves, which has already gained traction with its Hockey India League (HIL) and DD Winter Sports Games coverage. With an ever-growing catalogue of live sporting events, Waves is rapidly positioning itself as India’s premier digital sports hub.

    DFB (German Football Association) director of global media rights, Kay Daommholz emphasised the significance of this collaboration stating, “The DFB-Pokal is a cornerstone of German football, and we’re excited to bring these live matches to Waves for the first time. As the competition advances to the quarterfinals, the energy on the pitch is only going to heighten. This partnership with Waves ensures that fans across the region will experience the magic of the tournament firsthand.”

    Echoing the excitement, Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi said, “This is an important milestone for Waves, marking our first live football broadcast. The DFB-Pokal has such a rich history, and we’re proud to be the platform hosting these iconic moments. It’s a clear signal of our commitment to growing the sports category on Waves and delivering thrilling live sports experiences to our viewers.”

    The first quarterfinal match, Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs. FC Köln, kicks off live at 7:45 pm GMT on Tuesday, 4 February (01:15 AM IST on Wednesday, 5 February). Don’t miss the chance to witness footballing excellence from one of Europe’s most prestigious cup tournaments.

    With this groundbreaking move, Waves OTT is set to revolutionise live sports streaming in India, making world-class football accessible to millions.

     

  • Spotv’s game-changing playout tech: Fast, reliable & future-ready

    Spotv’s game-changing playout tech: Fast, reliable & future-ready

    MUMBAI: When it comes to live sports, there’s no room for buffering, glitches, or lag—unless you want angry fans and viral memes.

    South Korea’s leading provider of linear and digital sports content, Spotv knows this all too well. To keep the action seamless across southeast Asia, the broadcaster has rolled out a turnkey, fully automated playout system from Imagine Communications, ensuring top-tier reliability and rapid turnaround times.

    Broadcasting from a state-of-the-art teleport and broadcast centre in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, Spotv’s setup is powered by Imagine’s Versio™ integrated playout platform and ADC™ automation. This future-proof ecosystem is built to scale with evolving demands, simplifying operations while delivering world-class transmission.

    Why the upgrade? Spotv isn’t just any sports network—it’s the go-to destination for Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, MotoGP™, Roshn Saudi League, and Major League Baseball, among others. As the audience demand for high-quality sports broadcasting continues to skyrocket, Spotv sought a robust, flexible, and proven solution to keep up with the pace. And that’s where Imagine Communications came in.

    “Imagine Communications understood our requirements and equipped us with a tightly integrated, highly reliable playout infrastructure that can grow as our needs change,” said Spotv head of broadcast operations and engineering Prakash Maniam. “We know that many media companies around the world have successfully deployed Imagine playout technology, and we are confident that our modern, new system will be able to support our channel playout requirements for years to come.”

    Spotv’s newly deployed 6+2 channel origination workflow runs on Imagine’s Versio playout system, featuring embedded ADC automation software. The system integrates seamlessly with more devices and business systems than any other automation product, ensuring a smooth, end-to-end workflow.

    Here’s the play-by-play of how it all works:

    . High-performance video servers: The Nexio+™ AMP® servers with automatic input format detection take care of ingesting content effortlessly.  

    . Seamless content management: The Versio Content Portal and Nexio Motion™ asset management software ensure that the right content is prepped and loaded for playout—way before game time.

    . Less hardware, more efficiency: Versio reduces the number of physical devices needed in Spotv’s transmission chain, enabling a leaner, more efficient operation.

    . Single-user interface: Spotv’s team can now monitor and manage playout seamlessly from a single interface—because who needs unnecessary complexity?

    Spotv’s selection of Imagine Communications’ technology isn’t just about keeping things running smoothly today—it’s about preparing for tomorrow’s broadcasting needs. The Versio platform’s scalability allows Spotv to easily expand and adapt to new content demands, ensuring it stays ahead of the game.

    And it’s not just Spotv that’s impressed. Imagine Communications is celebrating yet another successful implementation of its cutting-edge technology in the global sports broadcasting industry.

    “We are honoured that Spotv has joined the ranks of leading global media companies who have made Versio their playout platform of choice,” said Imagine Communications SVP & GM EMEA and APAC, Mathias Eckert. “This implementation reflects Spotv’s commitment to excellence in live sports broadcast in the region and will enable them to work more efficiently today and prepare for whatever their future holds.”

    The new playout system at Spotv was implemented in collaboration with local Imagine partner and systems integrator JAA Systems (JAA.S).

  • Mayank Dayal joins Gujarat Titans as marketing head

    Mayank Dayal joins Gujarat Titans as marketing head

    MUMBAI: From marketing TV sports channels  to  building a cricket franchise team. That’s the leap that Mayank Dayal has taken. Dayal has been hired as marketing head at Gujarat Titans. He  brings over two decades of strategic marketing experience across major media and sports brands, including Sony Pictures Networks India, Viacom18, and Star India.

    In his new role, Dayal will lead brand growth and fan engagement strategies, driving innovative marketing initiatives to strengthen Gujarat Titans’ identity both on and off the field. He will oversee content development, partnerships, social media expansion, and matchday experiences.

    Previously, Dayal served as sports marketing head at Sony Pictures Networks, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing the brand’s footprint. His tenure at Viacom18 saw successful campaigns for Comedy Central and Nickelodeon, while at Star India, he developed brand integration strategies for key advertisers.

    Dayal’s extensive expertise and innovative vision are expected to propel Gujarat Titans’ ambitions to become one of the most engaging and entertaining franchises in the IPL ecosystem. Said he: “I’m beyond excited to step into my next adventure—leading marketing for Gujarat Titans. This isn’t just a role for me; it’s a dream opportunity. To be at the heart of the business side of sport, in a sport I have loved and played, is an exhilarating challenge. And in cricket, there is no bigger stage than the IPL.”

  • FanCode races ahead with exclusive multi-year MotoGP streaming deal

    FanCode races ahead with exclusive multi-year MotoGP streaming deal

    MUMBAI: Sports fans, start your engines! FanCode has just turbocharged its motorsport lineup by securing exclusive digital rights for MotoGP in India. This high-octane three-year deal places FanCode firmly in pole position as the go-to platform for motorsport enthusiasts, following its roaring success with Formula 1 streaming.

    Brace yourself for non-stop, edge-of-your-seat action—FanCode will stream every MotoGP Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix race live, bringing fans closer than ever to the adrenaline-fueled world of two-wheel racing. With cutting-edge technology, lightning-fast machines, and riders who redefine the limits of speed, MotoGP has captured the imagination of millions. This partnership ensures that Indian fans won’t miss a single overtaking maneuver, photo finish, or last-lap showdown.

    The love for motorsport in India has hit the accelerator in recent years. Following the historic Indian Grand Prix debut in 2023, the demand for MotoGP has skyrocketed. The event alone pulled in over 100,000 spectators, proving India is more than ready for high-speed thrills. Industry reports show that the country’s motorsport audience has surged by 30 per cent in the past five years, with MotoGP leading the charge among young, tech-savvy sports fans.

    With MotoGP legends like six-time champion Marc Marquez, reigning king Jorge Martin, two-time champion Francesco Bagnaia, and 2021 title-holder Fabio Quartararo battling it out on the track, every race delivers unparalleled drama and excitement. And now, thanks to FanCode, Indian fans can witness every hair-raising moment from the best seat in the house—their screens.

    FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco revved up the excitement, saying, “MotoGP is one of the most electrifying sporting events globally, and the appetite for motorsports in India is stronger than ever. With this landmark deal, we’re committed to delivering an unmatched experience for every speed-loving fan in the country.”

    Dorna Sports head of media rights Alex Arroyo fueled the adrenaline saying, “India is a critical market for MotoGP, both in terms of its rapidly expanding fanbase and its relevance to global manufacturers competing in the sport. Our partnership with FanCode ensures that Indian fans get premium access to all the MotoGP action, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring this thrilling sport to millions of passionate viewers.”

    FanCode’s MotoGP package isn’t just about watching races—it’s about immersing fans in the sport. Subscribers will get:

    . Live streaming of all Sprints and Grand Prix races

    . Exclusive behind-the-scenes content and race highlights

    . Interactive stats and multi-angle viewing options for a next-level experience

    The move cements FanCode’s reputation as the home of motorsports in India, following its successful acquisition of Formula 1 streaming rights. Whether it’s four wheels or two, FanCode ensures that Indian fans never have to look anywhere else for world-class racing action.

    So, buckle up and get ready-MotoGP is coming in hot, and FanCode is in the driver’s seat.

  • Bengaluru Jawans triumph in inaugural World Pickleball League

    Bengaluru Jawans triumph in inaugural World Pickleball League

    MUMBAI:  Bengaluru Jawans etched their names in history by defeating Pune United 3-1 to claim the championship title of the first-ever World Pickleball League (WPL), India’s pioneering franchise-based pickleball tournament. 

    Held in south Mumbai’s Cricket Club of India, it is India’s inaugural franchise-based pickleball competition, co-founded by Arjuna Awardee and former Indian tennis player Gaurav Natekar, along with former India No. 1 Arati Ponnappa Natekar.
     

    the team fans cheering the pune united in the finals

    It featured six teams: Mumbai Pickle Power, Pune United, Bengaluru Jawans, Chennai Super Champs, Hyderabad Hustlers, and Dilli Dilwale. Each team consisted of eight players, including five or six international players and one or two Indian players. The WPL also included top juniors selected by the federation to provide them with exposure to high-level competition. The league offered a prize pool of $250,000 (approximately Rs 2.1 crore), with awards distributed to the winner and runner-up teams.

     It was streamed live on FanCode and telecast live on the Sony Sports network. 

    The tournament commenced with Mumbai Pickle Power facing Pune United, followed by Bengaluru Jawans clashing with Chennai Super Champs. Each team competed in five group-stage matches, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. In total, spectators enjoyed 90 matches over the ten-day event. 

    The intense final saw Jack Foster deliver a commanding 26-8 victory in the men’s singles, setting the stage for Bengaluru’s success. Trang Hyunh-McClain and Alejandra Borobia followed with a 13-9 win in the women’s doubles. Pune United responded with William Sobek and Vanshik Kapadia securing a 15-6 men’s doubles victory, but Katerina Stewart’s decisive 21-9 triumph over Brooke Revuelta in the women’s singles sealed Bengaluru’s championship.
     

    The women's doubles in the finals

    Stewart, named Player of the League, said, “I’m incredibly grateful and overjoyed—it’s still sinking in! These ten days of pickleball in India have been extraordinary. Winning with my team made it even more special. At 5-5 today, I had a bit of panic but reminded myself to stay calm and focus, and it paid off.”

  • Shah Rukh Khan lights up DP World ILT20 with his cinematic glamour

    Shah Rukh Khan lights up DP World ILT20 with his cinematic glamour

    MUMBAI: The DP World ILT20 just got its biggest blockbuster moment yet—Shah Rukh Khan made his grand return, sprinkling his signature cinematic charm over cricket’s most exciting T20 showdown. As if the electrifying matches weren’t thrilling enough, the ‘Badshah’ of Indian cinema added a touch of cinematic magic, making his third consecutive appearance at the tournament.

    SRK was spotted at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, passionately cheering for his team, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, during their clash against the Dubai Capitals. With his trademark charisma, he turned up the energy both on and off the field, proving yet again that cricket and cinema are a match made in entertainment heaven.

    The DP World ILT20 has rapidly become the second-most watched T20 league globally, boasting a stellar lineup of cricket’s finest. Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Sam Curran, Andre Russell, and Nicholas Pooran have delivered knockout performances, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. But let’s be honest—when SRK walks into the stadium, the decibel levels go off the charts!

    With world-class facilities, perfect weather, and the vibrant hospitality of the UAE, ILT20 has evolved into a cricketing carnival. It’s no wonder the tournament is drawing a global audience, cementing Dubai as a premier sporting destination.

    This high-octane fusion of cricket and Indian cinema glamour has turned the DP World ILT20 into more than just a tournament—it’s an entertainment extravaganza. Whether it’s the on-field action or the off-field star-studded spectacle, the league continues to redefine sports entertainment.

    Indian fans can watch the adrenaline-pumping tournament live across Zee’s 15 linear TV channels, including &Pictures, Zee Cinema, Zee Action, Zee Telugu, Zee Tamil, Zee Kannada, &Flix, and more. Not near a TV? No worries! Zee5, one of India’s top OTT platforms, is streaming the event for fans on the go.

    With more epic clashes on the way, the DP World ILT20 is far from over. So, the real question is—are you ready for more cricket, more entertainment, and maybe another SRK grand entrance?

    Watch SRK’s electrifying stadium moment here: 

  • Raja Kumari, Suhani Shah, Dhvani Bhanushali to rock World Pickleball League

    Raja Kumari, Suhani Shah, Dhvani Bhanushali to rock World Pickleball League

    MUMBAI: The World Pickleball League (WPBL) is about to serve up more than just high-speed rallies. From 24 January to 2 February 2025, the historic Brabourne Stadium will witness a dazzling fusion of competitive pickleball and sensational live performances. This inaugural event promises to transform India’s sportainment landscape, pairing the nation’s newest sporting craze with a powerhouse lineup of stars.

    The league’s entertainment roster, curated by Entertainment Consultant, features some of the biggest names in music and performance. Expect electrifying acts from Raja Kumari, Dhvani Bhanushali, Suhani Shah, The Yellow Diary, The Indian Jam Project, Taba Chake, and more, alongside emerging sensations like Akshath Acharya and Adi Dishaan. Anchoring the event is the charismatic Himanshu Chatwani, who promises to keep the energy high between matches and performances.

    Entertainment Consultant business head Aahana Mehta summed up the event’s vision, “WPBL is not just about sport—it’s about creating an immersive experience. By blending world-class pickleball with live entertainment, we’re redefining the way audiences engage with sports in India. It’s about making pickleball a celebration for all, not just the players.”

    The tournament’s six franchises—Mumbai Pickle Power, Pune United, Bengaluru Jawans (led by filmmaker Atlee), Chennai Super Champs (owned by Samantha Prabhu), Hyderabad Superstars, and Dilli Dillwale—will compete in a thrilling format culminating in the finals on 2 February 2025. Adding star power to the semi-finals will be a special exhibition match featuring legendary boxer Amir Khan, who will step onto the court for a memorable showdown.

    WPBL co-founder & CEO Gaurav Natekar shared his excitement, “The World Pickleball League is a movement as much as it is a tournament. We’re blending fast-paced athleticism with unparalleled fan engagement. This league is about making pickleball the next big thing in Indian sports, and the Brabourne Stadium will be the epicentre of this revolution.”

    The event will feature 12 matches, each paired with a stellar performance, ensuring every evening is a mix of edge-of-the-seat sporting action and unforgettable entertainment. WPBL has also partnered with Swiggy Scenes as its official ticketing partner, making it easier for fans to grab their spot at the event.

    Schedule highlights:

    .  24 January: Raja Kumari kicks off the league alongside Mumbai Pickle Power vs Pune United at 8 pm.

    .   26 January: Suhani Shah performs during Chennai Super Champs vs Dilli Dillwale.

    .   1 February: Semi-finals to feature a special exhibition match with Amir Khan.

    .  2 February: The Yellow Diary headlines the finals.

    The league isn’t just focused on elite competition. Through its grassroots tournaments in franchise cities, WPBL is committed to nurturing talent and building a strong foundation for pickleball in India. This initiative, spearheaded by Natekar Sports and Gaming, aims to inspire new players and foster a thriving pickleball community. And with Sony Corporation as a partner and support from the All-India Pickleball Association, WPBL is creating ripples in India’s sporting ecosystem.

  • ABI Health shook hands with WPBL to champion fitness

    ABI Health shook hands with WPBL to champion fitness

    MUMBAI: When healthcare meets pickleball, the game gets serious. ABI Health has announced its partnership with the World Pickleball League (WPBL). This collaboration unites ABI’s mission to revolutionise wellness with WPBL’s drive to make pickleball a national movement. Together, they’re proving that fitness, fun, and community are a match made in heaven.

    Pickleball is more than just the fastest-growing sport globally—it’s an embodiment of inclusivity, low injury risks, and intergenerational fun. Recognising this, ABI Health sees pickleball as a perfect vehicle to inspire healthier lifestyles and strengthen community ties.

    ABI Health vice president global, Shreyas highlighted the significance of this partnership, “At ABI Health, we believe that health, wellness and prevention need to be part of everyone’s lifestyle in today’s day and age. Fitness and an active lifestyle are integral to a healthier tomorrow, and pickleball is the perfect embodiment of this ethos. We are thrilled to support WPBL in their mission to make this sport a movement that inspires people to stay fit. This partnership reflects our dedication to building a healthier, more connected world.”

    WPBL brings together six dynamic teams from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, and Hyderabad to compete at Brabourne Stadium, creating a platform that celebrates not just pickleball but also teamwork, fitness, and community spirit.

    WPBL co-founder & CEO, Gaurav Natekar expressed excitement for the collaboration, “We welcome ABI Health as a partner in this journey to elevate pickleball in India. ABI’s passion for promoting health and wellness aligns perfectly with our mission to make pickleball a sport for everyone. Together, we hope to create a platform that celebrates fitness, teamwork, and community spirit.”

    This partnership goes beyond the court. It’s a movement to build healthier lives, foster connections, and redefine what fitness looks like in today’s world. Pickleball is no longer just a sport; it’s a lifestyle.

    Catch the action as WPBL brings pickleball fever to India while ABI Health ensures the fitness revolution hits its stride.

  • Zeel files $8 million counterclaim against Star India in ICC media rights dispute

    Zeel files $8 million counterclaim against Star India in ICC media rights dispute

    MUMBAI:  Like two Sumo wrestlers in the ring sizing each other up, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) and the Reliance-and Walt Disney backed Star India have been circling each other, eyeing each other in relation to a failed  International Cricket Council (ICC ) men’s cricket rights (2024-27) rights deal the two had made with each other in August 2022. Both have been saying the other owes them money as the failed deal has proved to be an expensive affair.

    Star’s first claimed $940 million in damages in September 2024  over the failed International Cricket Council (ICC) broadcasting rights deal. Now, it’s the turn of  Zeel to file an $8 million counterclaim, plus interest against Star India. The dispute is being arbitrated by the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)

    It all began with Star sub-licensing ICC rights to Zeel.   Zeel later withdrew from the agreement and Star India took over the entire $3billion liability for the rights.  Star  has argued  that Zeel TV  failed to pay the $203.56 million first instalment (Rs 1,693 crore) and  meet additional financial obligations of Rs 17 crore for bank guarantees and deposit interest. In March 2024, Star initiated arbitration seeking enforcement of the agreement or damages. It later terminated the contract in June 2024 and focused on claiming damages. 

    Zeel submitted its defence on 23 December 2024, refuting Star’s claims and seeking a refund of Rs 69 crore paid under the agreement. The LCIA constituted a three-member tribunal, with proceedings at an early stage. Zee TV has argued that that the agreement became void due to Star’s failure to meet conditions precedent, including financial guarantees and ICC approval. Zeel  also cited the planned (but now failed) merger with Sony Pictures Networks as a complicating factor. Star India reported a Rs 12,548 crore net loss for FY24, driven by a Rs 12,319 crore provision for the ICC media rights deal.

    Zeel maintains that the dispute will not significantly impact its operations or finances, citing the strength of its legal position. The company’s board is monitoring the matter and remains confident in its ability to defend against Star’s claims.