ITV

Tag: Football

  • AIFF assigns national football tournament telecast rights to Shrachi Sports for 2024-25

    AIFF assigns national football tournament telecast rights to Shrachi Sports for 2024-25

    MUMBAI: Football fans are going to get more soccer than they could have ever imagined. Close on the heels of JioStar signing up with the Premier League as well as presenting the Indian Super league, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) signed a commercial rights agreement for its premier competitions (I-League, I-League 2, IWL, senior national football championship for the Santosh Trophy and senior women’s national football championship for the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy) with Shrachi Sports Endeavour Pvt Ltd for producing and broadcasting 338 matches in the 2024-25 season on 2 December 2024.
     

    All India Football Federation assigns rights

    The senior men and women club leagues and national championship matches will be streamed on the SSEN app (owned by Shrachi Sports Endeavor), and 110 of the 132 I-League matches will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network.

    “This significant partnership will help Indian football to get necessary exposure,” said AIFF secretary general Anilkumar.

    Shrachi Sports managing director Rahul Todi said that the agreement will provide “a platform for men and women players to showcase their talents to national and international audiences with high quality HD content. With this partnership, Shrachi shows its commitment towards being part of India’s growing sports ecosystem.”

    The SSN streaming platform is available to football fans at three  price points: Rs 20 for a single match as a pay per view option, Rs 100 for an entire tournament and Rs 600 as an annual subscription which gives access to all the matches for all the tournaments. 
     

  • Premier League to move production & distribution of matches in-house

    Premier League to move production & distribution of matches in-house

    MUMBAI: This one is for football fans. The Premier League today announced that it will establish a new house in-house media operations business come season 2026-27. This was approved by all clubs at a Premier League shareholder meeting on 22 November. For 20 years, this service has been provided in partnership with IMG, operating as Premier League Productions (PLP).

    Since 2004, PLP has been the gateway to the action and emotion of Premier League football for broadcasters and hundreds of millions of fans in more than 180 countries. Throughout this time, the Premier League and IMG have worked together to bring quality and innovation in live events production, pioneering new technologies and on-screen talent to provide full coverage of all 380 Premier League matches each season, as well as wide-ranging support programming.

    Premier League Productions

    The two organisations will continue to deliver the next two Premier League seasons to broadcasters and remain committed to providing a first-class viewing experience for fans around the world.

    Premier League Chief Media Officer Paul Molnar said: “IMG has been a fantastic partner for the Premier League over the past 20 years. They have worked tirelessly on our behalf to provide world-class content and services to our international partners. During this time, our partnership has been at the forefront of broadcast innovation to deliver top-class programming week in, week out throughout the season. This has all come together to play a vital role in growing our global audiences and popularity.

    “As we move the media production operations in-house, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a best-in-class content service to our partners and millions of passionate fans around the world.”
    IMG EVP, Studios Barney Francis said: “Our work with the Premier League has been game-changing, both for how fans enjoy football, and for the growth of the Premier League’s international audience and business. Working at the cutting edge of sports production for 20 years, we are proud to have launched many innovations together – from PLTV in 2010, which opened up the global TV rights market, to the transition from SD to HD, and then to 4K.

    “We have built a state-of-the art virtual studio, produced award-winning digital content and introduced new cameras and feeds that have made the Premier League’s programming a gold standard for global sports broadcasting. With IMG’s wider production work for rights holders such as the EFL, MLS and Apple, the Saudi Pro League, EuroLeague and ETP, we are continuing to power live sports broadcasting, leveraging new technologies and reaching wider audiences as our business continues to grow internationally.”   
    Further details regarding the Premier League in-house media operations business will be announced in due course, prior to its launch in 2026.   
     

  • South United FC partners with Sprentzo for on-site PUMA sports gear store

    South United FC partners with Sprentzo for on-site PUMA sports gear store

    Mumbai: South United Football Club (SUFC) partners with Sprentzo, a sports equipment rental platform, to open an on-site PUMA store at SUFC’s Ulsoor facility in Bengaluru. This partnership enhances the athlete experience by offering premium sports gear for rent and purchase directly at the club.

    As SUFC’s sports equipment rental partner, Sprentzo will provide easy access to PUMA products, ensuring athletes and visitors can rent or try out gear before purchase. The store aims to deliver quality and convenience for players, offering hygienic, top-tier sports equipment right on the grounds.

    SUFC’s CEO Pranav Trehan stated, “At South United, we are always looking for ways to enhance the experience for our players and fans. This partnership with Sprentzo reflects our commitment to providing not only the best facilities but also the best gear right on-site. By offering the latest PUMA products and sports equipment on rent through Sprentzo, we ensure that everyone who steps onto our grounds is equipped to perform at their best. This initiative is a significant step forward in creating a holistic sports environment where convenience meets quality, right at the heart of our Club.”

    Sprentzo’s co-founder, Piyush Jain added, “We’re thrilled to announce this collaboration between SUFC and Sprentzo, bringing together the best infrastructure and top-tier sports gear under one roof. The partnership offers unparalleled convenience for every athlete and sports enthusiast. Whether you’ve forgotten your boots or want to try them before you buy, simply book your game at SUFC and head to our new experience centre. We’ll take care of the rest!”

    Sprentzo’s co-founder Pravruth B.H emphasised the convenience and quality of the new store, saying, “South United FC has set new standards for top-tier sports facilities, raising the bar in every way. By partnering with Sprentzo, we’re bringing this excellence to an even wider audience. This partnership will allow people to try premium products before purchasing and will facilitate convenient rentals of top-quality and hygienic gear at the facility. Our first-of-its-kind rental and experience store will also feature a curated section of the best PUMA products, enhancing the overall experience within the venue.”

    This partnership between SUFC and Sprentzo promises to elevate the sports culture at the club, offering unparalleled access to the best sports gear and fostering a stronger community.

     

  • Sony Sports Network sets new benchmark for football broadcasting in India

    Sony Sports Network sets new benchmark for football broadcasting in India

    Mumbai: Sony Sports Network has set new benchmarks in the Indian sports broadcasting landscape, showcasing the immense growth of football viewership across diverse demographics. The growing popularity of European football in India is undeniable, with an increasing fan base eagerly following international tournaments like the Euros. This trend reflects a broader shift in sports preferences among Indian audiences, presenting Sony Sports Network with opportunities to expand its influence in the sports broadcasting landscape.

    From August 2023 to July 2024, the network has delivered an impressive 2,177 hours of live football coverage, the highest among all sports broadcasters in India. Likewise, Sony Sports has also recorded the most viewership for football on Pay Sports channels in India with 63.3 GRPs and an overall reach of 85.7 million among pay sports channels for all Live + Non-Live SOCCER (BARC) for the period from 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2024. (TG: BARC, All India Male 15+ ABC, SOCCER). It also has the highest reach among pay sports channels for all Live + Non-Live SOCCER (BARC) for the period from 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2024 (TG: BARC, All India CS 2+, SOCCER). This staggering amount of airtime showcases the network’s commitment to bringing the beautiful game to millions of fans across the country.

    Sony Sports Network is the exclusive home to a wide array of prestigious football properties. This includes the highly anticipated UEFA EURO 2028, one of the most celebrated tournaments in international football. Similarly, they hold broadcasting rights for the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, and UEFA Nations League, among others.

    The network also covers the European Qualifiers, UEFA Youth League, international friendlies, the Emirates FA Cup, Bundesliga, Roshn Saudi League, and the DFB Pokal. This vast array of football content ensures that viewers have access to a comprehensive and diverse range of football action, from elite European club competitions to global international fixtures.

    Starting from the 2024/25 season, the UEFA Champions League will adopt a new format that includes 36 clubs competing in a Swiss league system. This change introduces four additional teams, providing more opportunities for clubs to face Europe’s elite.

    Fans can look forward to a continuous flow of European club football from August to May, as the tournament will no longer have a January break. The revamped format will see a remarkable 51 per cent increase in matches, adding over 125 games to the schedule.

    To cater to Indian audiences, the number of early kickoff matches will nearly double, featuring up to 38 such matches per season. The duration for early kickoff slots has also expanded from 12 to 22 days, ensuring both Group and Knockout stages include these popular times.

    For Indian viewers, matches will start at 10:15 PM until Daylight Savings Time, after which they will begin at 11:15 PM. This evolution in the competition promises to enhance the viewing experience and further grow the sport’s popularity.

    Speaking of an oldest football tournament particularly in Asia, the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup has gained its legacy as one of India’s premier tournaments, led by the armed forces. Over the past two years, Sony Sports Network has collaborated closely with the Durand Organizing Committee to elevate the event to new heights. Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan spearheaded the campaign, while former national team captain Sunil Chhetri, who recently retired, also featured prominently in the promotional film. In a historic moment, the Indian president Droupadi Murmuru, unveiled the trophies and launched the trophy tour, marking the first presidential involvement in 36 years.

    Additionally, Sony Sports Network’s effective marketing strategies, like the appointment of Aaryan as the brand ambassador for the “Universe Ka Sabse Bada Football Festival of 2024” campaign, aims to engage a younger, more affluent audience, expanding the sport’s reach beyond traditional markets like Northeast India, Goa, Kerala, and West Bengal. In this campaign, Aaryan dons the avatar of an alien to symbolize the universal appeal and excitement surrounding the event, emphasizing that UEFA Euro 2024 is not just a football tournament but a global festival that transcends boundaries. His involvement adds a touch of entertainment and relatability, ensuring the campaign resonates with fans across the country.

    The integration of OTT platforms ensures that matches are accessible both on television and online, catering to the evolving consumption habits of modern viewers who prefer streaming content. Although many industry experts have delved that TV is by any day a preferred destination, as viewing sports on a large screen is highly beneficial and entertaining to the viewers especially when watching with family. In addition to high-definition broadcasts, Sony Sports Network has significantly expanded its multilingual commentary offerings. Recognising the diverse linguistic landscape of India, the network provides commentary in multiple regional languages,for marquee tournaments and matches including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Bengali to resonate with a broader audience and make them feel included in the excitement.

    If we talk about one particular challenge that stands out, it would definitely be cricket’s dominant viewership. Cricket receives extensive media coverage across all platforms, including television, print, and digital media. Major cricket events dominate sports news and attract a significant portion of advertising revenue, often leaving little room for other sports. With cricket’s extensive reach and established fan base, football often competes for limited viewing slots and advertising revenue. This competition makes it difficult for football events to secure the same level of attention and financial backing.

    Despite these shortcomings, the viewership figures are a clear indicator of the increasing appetite for football in India, transcending traditional boundaries and attracting a wide range of viewers. The network’s ability to captivate such a large audience highlights the effectiveness of its content strategy and its understanding of the evolving sports preferences of Indian audiences. By offering the maximum number of live football hours, boasting the largest bouquet of football properties and achieving the highest cumulative reach, it is no doubt that Sony Sports Network has set a new standard for sports broadcasting in India. 

  • History of eSports in India from A to Z

    History of eSports in India from A to Z

    Hockey, football, and cricket are definitely among the most popular sports in India. Thanks to the recent technological advancements on credible platforms like 4rabet, the evolution of esports in India took place.

    This business has been expanding at an incredible rate since the early 2000s. Call of Duty, Fortnite, Counter-Strike, and other games flew in and spread widely across the markets, and India wasn’t an exception.

    eSports in India: Statistic Market Analysis and Forecast

    The Indian esports ecosystem is known for its mobile-first nature. At the forefront, you will locate titles like COD Mobile, Battlegrounds Mobile India, and others. 

    According to an EY India study, this country is among the leading esports powers in Asia. Back in 2021, the esports market size in India reached 3 billion INR (around 35.7 million USD). Given the projected CAGR of 6.92%, this parameter can easily surpass the level of 14 billion INR (174.4 million USD).  

    Here are a few more predictions from Statista Highlights:

    • The user penetration is also likely to keep increasing, reaching 9.6% by 2029.
    • The esports betting segment is gaining momentum, too, — 7.6 billion INR (90.8 million USD) in 2024.

    Although the US esports market is holding the leadership for the highest revenue, the exponential growth of the Indian esports market shouldn’t be underestimated — a boom of popularity among the younger generation:

    • As of 2021, the number of players interested in esports was 150,000 enthusiasts.
    • It reached 600,000 people in 2022.
    • By 2027, this indicator is projected to hit the target of 1.5 million esports gamers in India.

    The Progress of the Indian Esports Market:

    It would be wrong to suppose this industrial evolution and the overall popularity of the industry in India is a breeze. Let’s take a closer look at the current challenges to overcome and opportunities to utilize.

    Challenges Opportunities
    Inconsistent infrastructure and Internet connectivity Investment in better infrastructure development
    Lack of uniform regulations and industry standards Creation of transparent policies for smoother operations
    Limited parental support for gaming as a career option Awareness campaigns to change perceptions
    Low popularity in remote regions Expanding access to gaming in underrepresented areas

    As India embraces more innovations and sets new trends, the esports market is set to modify its silhouette and be a vital part of the global industry.

    Key Figures in the Indian Esports Sector

    What is the modern esports market in India all about? Its ecosystem is incredibly varied and depends on how different members perform their roles.

    Stakeholder Role and Contribution
    Publishers Develop, finance, market, and distribute video games. Own the intellectual property rights.
    Tournament Organizers Manage and run video game competitions for both amateurs and professionals.
    Teams Professional organizations with staff like coaches and analysts, competing in global events.
    Players Compete from grassroots to international levels, ranging from casual to highly-paid pros.
    Audience The key element of esports, supporting events through live viewership and community building.

    The Indian Esports Market Future

    The present environment for the growth and modification of esports in India is highly promising. With esports-friendly government policies and more events and organizations emerging, it will engage more interested parties. The rise in the number of brand ambassadors and sponsorships is also expected.

    These changes are critical for the infrastructure in general. They will help elevate the professionalism and popularity levels associated with the market. The involvement of AR, VR, data encryption, and other technologies for entertainment and security goals will only lead to a thriving ecosystem, attracting more and more attention from the international audience.

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  • South United FC partners with Sprentzo for on-site PUMA sports gear store

    South United FC partners with Sprentzo for on-site PUMA sports gear store

    Mumbai: South United Football Club (SUFC) partners with Sprentzo, a leading sports equipment rental platform, to open an on-site PUMA store at SUFC’s Ulsoor facility. This partnership enhances the athlete experience by offering premium sports gear for rent and purchase directly at the club.

    As SUFC’s sports equipment rental partner, Sprentzo will provide easy access to PUMA products, ensuring athletes and visitors can rent or try out the gear before purchase. The store aims to deliver quality and convenience for players, offering hygienic, top-tier sports equipment right on the grounds.

    SUFC’s CEO Pranav Trehan stated, “At South United, we are always looking for ways to enhance the experience for our players and fans. This partnership with Sprentzo reflects our commitment to providing not only the best facilities but also the best gear right on-site. By offering the latest PUMA products and sports equipment on rent through Sprentzo, we ensure that everyone who steps onto our grounds is equipped to perform at their best. This initiative is a significant step forward in creating a holistic sports environment where convenience meets quality, right at the heart of our Club.”

    Sprentzo’s co-founder Piyush Jain added, “We’re thrilled to announce this collaboration between SUFC and Sprentzo, bringing together the best infrastructure and top-tier sports gear under one roof. The partnership offers unparalleled convenience for every athlete and sports enthusiast. Whether you’ve forgotten your boots or want to try them before you buy, simply book your game at SUFC and head to our new experience centre. We’ll take care of the rest!”

    Sprentzo’s co-founder, Pravruth B.H emphasized the convenience and quality of the new store, saying, “South United FC has set new standards for top-tier sports facilities, raising the bar in every way. By partnering with Sprentzo, we’re bringing this excellence to an even wider audience. This partnership will allow people to try premium products before purchasing and will facilitate convenient rentals of top-quality and hygienic gear at the facility. Our first-of-its-kind rental and experience store will also feature a curated section of the best PUMA products, enhancing the overall experience within the venue.”

    This partnership between SUFC and Sprentzo promises to elevate the sports culture at the club, offering unparalleled access to the best sports gear and fostering a stronger community.

  • It’s Manchester Derby in the epic FA Cup final showdown

    It’s Manchester Derby in the epic FA Cup final showdown

    Mumbai: On 25 May 2024, the battle lines are drawn as two titans of English football, Manchester United and Manchester City, collide in the prestigious Emirates FA Cup Finals at Wembley Stadium. This titanic showdown promises to be a spectacle like no other, as these two football powerhouses fight for glory and supremacy on the grand stage.

    Manchester United, a club rich in history and tradition, is determined to reclaim their spot as English football giants, while Manchester City aims to defend their title and assert their dominance once again. The rivalry between these two fierce competitors adds an extra layer of intensity to what is already set to be a thrilling encounter.

    Last year, Manchester City emerged victorious in a dramatic final, with lkay Gündoan scoring the fastest goal ever in an FA Cup final. However, Manchester United, led by the talismanic Bruno Fernandes, is eager for revenge and eager to unlock City’s defence to secure a memorable victory.

    Football fans in India are in for a treat as they witness the intensity of this historic rivalry unfold Streaming live on Sony LIV. With stakes higher than ever, every moment will be pulsating with excitement as these two powerhouse clubs leave it all on the pitch in their quest for FA Cup supremacy.

    Don’t miss out on this historic showdown! Catch the Emirates FA Cup 2024 final live on Sony LIV on 25 May 2024, starting at 7:30 pm IST.

  • Experience UEFA EURO 2024 with exciting new features on Sony LIV

    Experience UEFA EURO 2024 with exciting new features on Sony LIV

    Mumbai: Sony LIV is back with the biggest celebration of football, UEFA EURO 2024, coming this June. Committed to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience for football enthusiasts, Sony LIV launches exciting, immersive features to give fans an enhanced viewing experience. Here is the glimpse of what awaits you:

    Multiple camera feeds:

    Break free from a single-angle with six different angles, tailor-made for you.

    – One primary cam for the grand and staple view 
    * Two dugout cams to get exclusive insights into behind-the-scenes glimpses from the bench

    – Two star-player cam to follow your favourite player. 
    * One tactical view to get a comprehensive overview

    Key moments:

    Catch up on live stats, lineups, play-by-play updates or key incidents with the platform’s on-demand highlights feature, seamlessly integrating with the live action.

    Multilingual coverage:

    For all the fans watching across the country, we bring you the game in your preferred languages – English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Bengali.

    With UEFA EURO 2024 just around the corner—Sony LIV brings you an experience like never before! This June – don’t just watch the Euro, live the Euro. Love Football, LIV Football!

  • ‘Land of Goals’ the new mobile game that mixes football with adventure

    ‘Land of Goals’ the new mobile game that mixes football with adventure

    Mumbai:  LALIGA Entertainment, the publisher and developer behind presents ‘Land of Goals’. In this new video game, players have the opportunity to face their favourite LALIGA players and even team up with them, immersing themselves in a virtual world full of challenges and magic.

    This game is characterised by a series of features that set it apart from the multitude of football video games available. It includes a career mode where users have to train and test their skills with the ball. Either going head to head (1v1) against the LALIGA stars or controlling a team of three (3v3) where the user, with their avatar, will be joined by two LALIGA stars to complete their winning team.

    The new video game, ‘Land of Goals’, combines the passion of football with a challenging adventure experience based on the worlds at PortAventura World. In addition to being able to challenge and team up with several LALIGA stars, the game is characterised by a series of features that make it stand out from the multitude of mobile football video games available. It features a career mode at launch where users have to complete the various levels available.

    In Career Mode, players begin an exciting adventure through different maps based on the various worlds at PortAventura World, each with its own unique challenges. Progressing through the game involves unlocking and clearing each map in order, while facing increasingly difficult tasks.

    Additionally, users will be able to equip themselves and improve their skills, choosing from the jerseys of their favourite LALIGA club to the most original customisable items that will make the football experience completely innovative. Users will want to get their hands on all the different items available – the team behind the video game have stated. Furthermore, they add that all the customisable items are inspired by the fantasy of PortAventura World to make the experience even more incredible. There won’t just be LALIGA and PortAventura World content available, but much more to help transport users to new dimensions of playing football.

    So far, Land of Goals had been released on Google Play and the App Store in Argentina, Denmark, Mexico and Sweden, which were selected as key markets for the softlaunch due to their unique characteristics.

    LALIGA Entertainment indicated that the softlaunch in these markets has been key to improving the product in preparation for the much-anticipated full launch.

  • adidas celebrates Messi’s World Cup career; presents ‘The Impossible Rondo’

    adidas celebrates Messi’s World Cup career; presents ‘The Impossible Rondo’

    Mumbai: To commemorate the career of football player Lionel Messi, adidas releases “The Impossible Rondo,” the newest chapter in its “Impossible is Nothing” story, ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

    Football fans worldwide will be excited to see Messi pitted against himself in the movie, complete with his haircuts, Argentina shirts, and adidas boots over 18 years and five tournaments.

    The film was created using the most recent advances in artificial intelligence and visual effects to bring the magic of Lionel Messi’s World Cup career to life. Messi’s historical and current footage were used to create different, de-aged versions of him. This was then applied to body doubles, allowing us to create Messi versus Messi, in which he prepares for the World Cup alongside versions of himself from 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018.

    adidas will continue to celebrate its global football family throughout the tournament with iconic player moments, global social media activations, and the creation of the ‘Al Rihla Arena,’ an official adidas fan zone on-the-ground in Qatar, having already shared its “Family Reunion” film and “The Impossible Rondo” with fans.