Tag: BCCI

  • BCCI media rights auction: Viacom18 bags both digital and TV rights

    BCCI media rights auction: Viacom18 bags both digital and TV rights

    Mumbai: Viacom18 have secured both the TV and digital rights for international matches to be played in India for the next five years (2023-28 cycle).

    Sports18 will then telecast the matches, international and domestic, on TV while it will be live streamed on JioCinema as OTT platform.

    The broadcast cycle begins from September 2023 and goes until March 2028 for a grand total of 88 bilateral matches (could go up to 102 matches) involving India. It can be broken down into 25 Tests, 27 ODIs and 36 T20Is.

    Sony Pictures Networks India MD & CEO N.P Singh, congratulated the winners of the BCCI e-auction for the bilateral media rights by saying, “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the BCCI for a transparent and efficient e-bidding process and to the winners for securing the bilateral media rights. Our disciplined bid was grounded in market forecasts and a long-term growth strategy. We remain committed to delivering top-tier sporting entertainment as we continue to see growing enthusiasm across various sports genres.”  

  • BCCI implements e-auction to determine future value of bilateral cricket engagements

    BCCI implements e-auction to determine future value of bilateral cricket engagements

    Mumbai: The BCCI is all set to  conduct an e-auction today for Team India’s home matches during the 2023-28 cycle.

    The BCCI has decided to sell digital and TV rights separately. The collective base price for TV and digital has been pegged at Rs 45 crore per match. According to media reports, the BCCI is expecting a minimum of Rs 60 crore per match from the media rights auction.

    The reserve price for digital is higher at Rs 25 crore per match, while it is Rs 20 crore per match for TV. In both IPL and ICC media rights auctions, digital valuation went marginally over TV.

    The three bidders, Disney Star, Viacom18, and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), are hoping to once again relax their financial restraints.

    Disney Star was once more in the thick of things when the ICC (International Cricket Council) later auctioned off its rights for four years, purchasing the rights for $3.03 billion.

    After that, it made the decision to keep solely the digital rights and sublicensed the TV rights for almost $1.4 billion to Zee Entertainment Enterprises.

  • BCCI media rights auction set to commence on 31 August

    BCCI media rights auction set to commence on 31 August

    Mumbai: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to have an auction on 31 August 2023, for the media rights of international and domestic matches for the upcoming five-year cycle. A few weeks ago, the BCCI released an Invitation to Tender (ITT) seeking proposals from reputable organisations.

    The ITT, which was made available after payment of a non-refundable fee of Rs 15,00,000 along with applicable GST, included the specific rules and regulations regarding the tender process, including eligibility requirements, the method for submitting bids, rights and obligations, etc. The ITT was up for grabs until 25 August 2023.

    For the new cycle, the BCCI is offering two packages: Indian subcontinent TV rights and Indian subcontinent digital rights, both of which are bundled with the remainder of the world’s TV and digital rights. The television bundle has a starting price of Rs 20 crore per match, however, the digital package commences at Rs 25 crore per match. It has also been mentioned that the total amount per match must not be less than Rs 60 crore per game. The upcoming cycle includes a total of 88 games.

    Only three companies have reportedly submitted technical proposals for the BCCI media rights – Disney Star, Sony Sports Network, and Viacom18.

    According to media reports, other entities such as ZEE Entertainment Enterprises and FanCode, as well as two other international corporations, Google and Amazon are not believed to have participated. As a result, the highly anticipated media rights auction for international and domestic fixtures in India will be a three-way fight between Sony and Star, and Viacom18.

  • BCCI & MPL Sports launch new T20I jersey for team India

    BCCI & MPL Sports launch new T20I jersey for team India

    Mumbai: MPL Sports, the official kit sponsor of the Indian Cricket Team, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today unveiled the official team India jersey for all T20 internationals. Called the One Blue Jersey, it celebrates the indomitable energy and enthusiasm that supporters bring to the game. Most importantly, it pays homage to the legions of fans that span different genders and age groups and transcend geographical borders.

    The jersey is styled with a pattern of equilateral triangles—a universal symbol of the blend of energy, spirit, and power—that celebrates the unswerving support of the fans who have stood behind the team through thick and thin. Combined with the petals found in the BCCI’s insignia, the jersey embodies the loyalty and merit that the game demands. The jersey comes in shades of royal blue for a look befitting the champions of the game.

    The One Blue Jersey will make its debut on the pitch during the upcoming T20 series against Australia on 20 September. It replaces the Billion Cheers Jersey at all T20 international competitions. Players will continue to sport the Billion Cheers jersey at One Day Internationals.

    For Rs 1,999, the jersey will be available for purchase at mplsports.in beginning today, as well as at all major e-commerce and retail outlets. Along with this, over 40 SKUs, including player edition jerseys, training gear, and athleisure wear, will be available.

  • MPL Sports & BCCI add superfans during the Team India T20I jersey launch

    MPL Sports & BCCI add superfans during the Team India T20I jersey launch

    Mumbai: With the World Cup just a little over a month away, there’s a new official Team India T20I Jersey around the corner. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and MPL Sports, the official kit partner, announced a new campaign called “#HarFanKiJersey” ahead of the launch.

    MPL Sports has launched a microsite called Har Fan Ki Jersey (https://harfankijersey.mplsports.in/), where users can upload their stories of what makes them a true blue cricket fan. By doing so, they will have the opportunity to be an integral part of the jersey unveiling. As the stories get populated on the site, a part of the jersey will be uncovered, giving fans a sneak peek into the much-awaited kit for this year.

    The new jersey will replace the Billion Cheers jersey, launched during last year’s World Cup, for all T20 format games.

    Besides getting a first look at the jersey, users can also get a chance to be crowned a “superfan.” Once fans upload their stories, they will get a referral code, which when used by their friends and followers, will earn them points and a spot on a leaderboard. Rewards include discounts. The brand will also run contests on social media, giving users a chance to win match tickets as well as other money-can’t-buy experiences. Participation also guarantees a digital certificate of appreciation from MPL Sports and BCCI. The best superfan stories will be shared on the official MPL Sports social media pages as well.

    The “#HarFanKiJersey” campaign aims to mobilise the billions of fans of the Indian cricket team, and give them a platform to share their passion for the game and the team.

  • Mastercard acquires title sponsorship rights for all BCCI international & domestic home matches

    Mastercard acquires title sponsorship rights for all BCCI international & domestic home matches

    Mumbai: Mastercard has announced its collaboration with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to broaden its strategic outreach to Indian audiences. During this association, Mastercard will be the title sponsor for all international (both men’s and women’s) matches played on home soil, domestic cricket matches such as the Irani Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and Ranji Trophy organised by the BCCI, and all junior cricket (Under 19 and Under 23) matches played in India.

    This sponsorship and the activities around it are aimed at enhancing Mastercard’s connection with cricket lovers across the country and beyond. For a brand that is invested in sponsorships worldwide with marquee properties like the UEFA Champions League, the Grammys, the Cannes Film Festival and the Australian and French Open tennis tournaments, Mastercard’s tie-up with the BCCI further enhances its portfolio of partnerships.

    BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said, “The BCCI welcomes Mastercard as the title sponsor for home cricket matches for the 2022–23 season. Along with the international home series, the BCCI’s domestic tournaments are crucial as they are a stepping stone towards making India a strong international side. The BCCI truly values Mastercard’s support in building Indian cricket.”

    “This sport is more than a passion point, it’s a way of life and we look forward to some innovative experiences for the fans via this partnership and delivering value to Mastercard through this collaboration,” he added.

    BCCI honorary secretary Jay Shah said, “The BCCI is pleased to be associated with a global marquee brand-Mastercard.”We are in for an exciting period in Indian cricket as we have Australia and South Africa coming over for white-ball series before the T20 World Cup and Sri Lanka, New Zealand and the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy early next year, while domestic cricket has a packed calendar with the return of the Duleep Trophy and a full-fledged Ranji Trophy season. The 2022-23 season will witness a lot of action across age groups, and I am confident that this will be an enriching partnership.”

    Mastercard chief marketing and communications officer Raja Rajamannar said, “Cricket is a perfect amalgamation of sports and entertainment with immense potential to deliver priceless moments. Our globally recognised “priceless” platform offers us the unique opportunity to delight our cardholders, customers and partners worldwide. Cricket enjoys unparalleled popularity not just in India where it is a singular unifying force for the nation, but also in several countries around the world. It is therefore particularly relevant and opportune for us to have acquired the title sponsor rights for all home international and domestic cricket matches organised by the BCCI.”

    Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni, who has been Mastercard’s ambassador for over four years, added, “Cricket has been my life and given me everything I have. I am thrilled that Mastercard is sponsoring all the home cricket matches of the BCCI, especially the domestic, junior, and women’s cricket. The Ranji and junior players of today will play for the country tomorrow and continue to embody the pride of 1.3 billion Indians.”

    According to the brand, Mastercard endeavours to enhance its strong international base of sponsorship assets across passion points with uniquely Indian ones. Mastercard has worked to amplify this passion area with the signing on of MS Dhoni, the former Indian cricket captain, as its brand ambassador over four years ago.

  • IPL e-auction: Viacom18, Disney Star & Times Internet win media rights for 2023-27

    IPL e-auction: Viacom18, Disney Star & Times Internet win media rights for 2023-27

    Mumbai: The 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) media rights auction has concluded. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sold the rights at a combined value of Rs 48,390 crore. Disney Star has won the TV broadcast rights, Viacom18 has laid claim to the digital rights, including exclusive and non-exclusive games, and Times Internet has won the bid for international media rights.

    “IPL is now the second most valued sporting league in the world in terms of per match value!” said BCCI secretary Jay Shah on Tuesday.

    “The BCCI will utilize the revenue generated from IPL to strengthen our domestic cricket structure starting from grassroots, to boost infrastructure and spruce up facilities across India & enrich the overall cricket-watching experience.”

    He further said, “Now, it’s time for our state associations, IPL franchises to work together with the IPL to enhance the fan experience and ensure that our biggest stakeholder – the cricket fan – is well looked after and enjoys high quality cricket in world-class facilities.”

    The bidding for Package C and Package D concluded on Tuesday. Viacom18 and Times Internet shared Package D that included international media rights. Viacom18 won the rights to Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom while Times Internet won the rights to the rest of the world that included the Middle East and Africa (MENA) & US. Package D was sold for Rs 1,058 crore for five years or Rs 2.58 crore per match for 410 matches.

    Package A for TV broadcast rights was won by Disney Star at the value of Rs 23,575 crore for five years or Rs 57.50 crore per match for 410 matches. Package B for digital broadcast rights for exclusive matches was sold to Viacom18 at Rs 20,500 crore for five years or Rs 50 crore per match for 410 matches. Viacom18 also won the bid for Package C that included non-exclusive digital matches at a value of Rs 3257.52 crore for five years or Rs 33.24 crore per match for 98 games.

    Sony Pictures Networks India MD and CEO NP Singh said, “I want to begin by congratulating and thanking BCCI for an extremely well-managed and transparent bidding process. Next, I want to congratulate the winners of the four IPL media rights packages. The IPL began with SPN and has since developed into one of the world’s most popular sporting leagues in its 15-year history. We’ve seen the league grow and would have liked to see it on the Sony Network again. In this regard, we made a reasonable bid, considering all the expected returns. We had to factor in the market’s anticipated expansion and potential economic and other concerns over the next five years. Fiscal prudence, in my opinion, is critical for strategic management.”

    The highly anticipated auction was first announced on 29 March by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The contenders for broadcast rights included Disney Star, Sony Pictures Networks India and Viacom18. The bidders for digital rights include Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Disney+ Hotstar and Reliance Jio. Mjunction conducted the auction.

    The IPL is the second most valuable sports property after the National Football League (NFL) in terms of broadcast price per match. The value of the media rights per match has reached almost Rs 114 crore leaving the Premier League behind which is valued at around Rs 81 crore per match. The action continues on Wednesday.

  • BCCI announces an increase in the monthly pensions of former cricketers and umpires

    BCCI announces an increase in the monthly pensions of former cricketers and umpires

    MUMBAI: At a time when the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) e-auction is making the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) richer by over Rs 46,000 crore, the board has announced a hike in monthly pensions of former cricketers (both men and women) and former umpires. More than 75 percent of the beneficiaries will get a 100 percent raise. People getting a pension of Rs 15,000 and Rs 22,500 a month will see that amount double. The highest bracket where the pension was Rs 50,000 will see a raise to Rs 70,000.

    BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said, “It is extremely important that the financial well-being of our former cricketers is taken care of. The players remain the lifeline and as a Board, it is our duty to be by their side once their playing days are over. The umpires have been unsung heroes and the BCCI truly values their contribution.”

    BCCI honorary secretary Jay Shah, said: “The welfare of our cricketers be it former or present is a top priority, and increasing pension amounts is a step in that direction. The BCCI values the contribution the umpires have made over the years and this is one way to express our gratitude for their diligent services to Indian Cricket. A total of around 900 personnel will get the benefit of the scheme with more than 75 percent of the beneficiaries getting a 100 percent raise.”

    BCCI honorary treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal said, “Whatever the BCCI is today, it is because of the contribution of its former cricketers and umpires. We are pleased to announce the increase in the monthly pensions which will be a gesture for the well-being of our former cricketers.”

     

  • IPL media rights likely to touch Rs 50, 000-60,000 crore: Elara Capital

    IPL media rights likely to touch Rs 50, 000-60,000 crore: Elara Capital

    Mumbai: The next cycle of the cash-rich T20 League Indian Premier League (IPL) media rights is expected to touch Rs 50,000-60,000 crore during the period 2023-2028, said Elara Capital in a note on June 7.

    In a statement, Elara Capital said, “Cricket may continue to enjoy such sheer dominance in India, medium-term, propped by large-lucrative properties such as the Indian Premier League (IPL). Thus, expect IPL renewal to underpin media rights growth in India, medium-term.”

    The value of digital rights is expected to double. The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has kept the base price for digital rights at Rs 33 crore a game. The TV rights value is expected to rise by 40-50 per cent. The base price for television is Rs 49 crore a match.

    “Expect digital to see premiums of 100 per cent over the current base, while TV premiums of 40 per cent. Based on these premiums, the share of digital might rise to 50 per cent in IPL media rights. We anticipate 6 per cent and 35 per cent revenue CAGR in FY23E-28E for TV and digital, respectively,” noted the brokerage business.

    According to Elara, one-third of Star’s revenue is IPL-led (TV + digital). “If Star wins IPL rights, this revenue contribution will augment to 40 per cent as digital growth will accelerate. As per our estimates, 70 per cent of Star India’s advertising-based video on demand revenue is IPL-led, with subscription video on demand revenue largely following suit,” the brokerage firm added.

    The report also noted that TV viewership growth will be a challenge and growth will be in the single digits of 3-4 per cent. However, digital will fare much better.

  • BCCI extends deadline for purchasing IPL media rights ITT document

    BCCI extends deadline for purchasing IPL media rights ITT document

    Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has extended the date to purchase the ‘Invitation to Tender’ (ITT) for media rights to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023-2027. The tender documents are now available for purchase until 20 May.

    “Pursuant to requests from various interested parties, BCCI has now decided to further extend the date for purchasing the ITT documents,” said BCCI honorary secretary Jay Shah.

    The governing council of the IPL had issued the ‘Invitation to Tender’ documents on 29 March that were available for purchase for a non-refundable ITT fee. Any interested party wishing to submit a bid is required to purchase the ITT. However, only those satisfying the eligibility criteria set out in the ITT and subject to the other terms and conditions set out therein, shall be eligible to bid.

    BCCI is expected to rake in at least Rs 32,890 crore by selling the TV and digital media rights for the IPL for the 2023-2027 seasons. This is more than double the value at which the rights were sold to Star India five years ago i.e., Rs 16,347.5 crore for the combined TV plus digital media rights. Notably, this time, BCCI has not offered an option for a composite bid to acquire both the TV and digital media rights for the IPL. This means that the TV broadcast rights will be sold separately at a base price of Rs 18,130 crore for five years and the digital broadcast rights will be sold separately at a base price of Rs 12,210 crore for five years.

    As per media reports, Disney Star, Sony Pictures Networks India-Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Viacom18-Reliance Industries, Amazon, Alphabet (Google), Dream11 and Times Internet have bought the ITT document.

    According to a report by Media Partners Asia, sports rights investment in India will grow at 10.1 per cent CAGR (compound annual growth rate) bolstered by demand for cricket properties, led by the IPL.