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Tag: Sports Media

  • JioStar breaks viewership records with Tata WPL’s historic opening

    JioStar breaks viewership records with Tata WPL’s historic opening

    MUMBAI: The Tata Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 has made a thunderous start, smashing viewership records on JioStar. With cricket fans tuning in across platforms, the opening match between Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore became the most-watched league stage match ever on television.

    As the second leg of #WPL2025 kicks off in Bengaluru, BCCI secretary Jay Shah took to social media to celebrate the tournament’s historic viewership figures. In a tweet, he revealed, “the Opening match was watched by over 3 crore viewers on TV, making it the most-watched league stage match ever. TV ratings on @StarSportsIndia surged 150 per cent, while digital viewership on @JioHotstar climbed 70 per cent compared to last season. Witnessing records being shattered is truly inspiring,” he remarked.

    The numbers speak for themselves—TV ratings for the opening game skyrocketed by 73 per cent compared to last year, proving that women’s cricket is no longer a side event but a main attraction. Meanwhile, connected TV (CTV) saw an astonishing 102 per cent surge in reach, with average concurrency doubling till match five. Digital streaming reach also grew by 10 per cent, cementing JioStar’s dominance as the go-to platform for live sports.

    With digital consumption at an all-time high, the Tata WPL’s explosive growth on JioStar signals a shift in how audiences engage with cricket. The numbers highlight a clear trend—sports streaming is the future, and JioStar is at the forefront of this revolution.

    As Tata WPL 2025 continues its action-packed season, fans and brands alike have a golden opportunity to be part of this cricketing evolution. The landscape of women’s cricket is changing, and JioStar is leading the charge.

  • Nazara acquires skill gaming platform OpenPlay for Rs 186 cr

    Nazara acquires skill gaming platform OpenPlay for Rs 186 cr

    Mumbai: Nazara Technologies, home-grown diversified gaming and sports media platform has announced that it has acquired 100 per cent stake in Hyderabad-based skill gaming company OpenPlay for a total consideration of Rs 186.4 crores.

    OpenPlay operates a multi-game consumer gaming platform under the “Classic Games” brand which hosts popular skill-based games while following high standards of technology, game fairness, advance player protection, security, AML and advertising standards. It currently has an annualised gross gaming revenue run rate of Rs 80 cr and is operating on EBITDA positive margins.

    Nazara CEO Manish Agarwal said, “The OpenPlay acquisition offers an opportunity for Nazara to build a network of skill gaming destinations operating on one common tech platform under the proven leadership of Sreeram and his team at OpenPlay. Sreeram is a successful entrepreneur globally in online real money gaming and we are excited that he will be leading Nazara’s growth in this sector.”

    OpenPlay is led by Sreeram Reddy Vanga who is a serial entrepreneur in the global online gaming industry. In his previous avatar, he founded and led CozyGames to become the second largest Bingo network in the UK before being acquired. He was also part of the early team at PartyGaming which went IPO on London Stock Exchange in 2005.

    Sreeram Reddy Vanga said, “I’m excited to join the ‘Friends of Nazara Network’ and look forward to working closely with Nazara leadership and the Network to build India’s largest vernacular social gaming and entertainment platform. Our technology complemented by Nazara’s positioning in the gaming industry in India is the perfect combination for this endeavour.”

    The “Friends of Nazara” network comprises established gaming companies in which Nazara holds majority stakes and works actively with existing founders and management teams to rapidly achieve scale. These companies include Nodwin Gaming and Sportskeeda in Esports Next Wave Multimedia, developer of World Cricket Championship (WCC), the largest mobile-based cricket simulation game and Paper Boat Apps, developers of popular gamified early learning app Kiddopia.

  • Star India all set for Asia Cup 2016; ropes in 13 sponsors

    Star India all set for Asia Cup 2016; ropes in 13 sponsors

    MUMBAI: Star India is all set for the Asia Cup, which kick-starts on 24 February and has roped in as many as 13 sponsors for the same.

    The 50-over cricket format in today fast paced age is fading into oblivion with T-20 gaining prominence as a preferred format. The Asia Cup cricket tournament, which was rolled out by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in 1983 as a goodwill between Asian countries, will have its 16th edition in Bangladesh. The tournament faced its own set of challenges time and again as it fell prey to the political inconsistencies between India and Pakistan.

    After the ACC was downsized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in April 2015, it was announced that the upcoming Asia Cup events will be played on rotation basis in One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) format based on respective next world events under the ICC. What this means is that the 2016 and 2020 events will be played using the T20I format, ahead of the 2016 and 2020 World Twenty20s, and the 2018 and 2022 events will be played in the ODI format, ahead of the 2019 and 2023 World Cups respectively. It is for the first time Asia Cup will played in the T-20 format. The announcement may be a heart-breaking one for traditional cricket lovers but it’s certainly comes as icing on the cake for the official broadcaster – Star India.

    “T-20 format is the only one, which is garnering full houses everywhere. This change in format gives the tournament a new dimension,” said a senior sports media planning expert.

    Star India acquired the broadcasting rights of the tournament till 2023, and for the first edition it has roped in as many as 13 sponsors in Micromax, Magicbricks.com, Vimal Pan Masala, Shopclues.com, CEAT Tyres, Gillete March III, Britannia, Gaana.com, Idea, Raymond, Bharti Axa life insurance, Royal Stag and Karbonn Power Bank.

    “The ad rates for a the matches will be close to Rs 4 lakh while the India VS Pakistan matches will command a higher price. Indo-Pak final can be a great boom for Star India as they can monetise it at a premium price,” asserts the expert.

    According to sources, Star India acquired the telecast rights for approximately $40 million for four seasons till 2023. An executive from a rival channel said, “We chose not to bid for it and as per my knowledge there was no bidder to place a bid in order to acquire the rights. But then after a mutual discussion between Star India and the association, they came to a consensus. The minimum slab was $13 million per season, which we thought was too high.”

    Micromax has come in as the on-ground title sponsor, while Britannia is the ‘powered by’ sponsor. “The title sponsor position was sold for Rs 8 crore, while Britannia dished out Rs 6 crore for the ‘powered by’ sponsorship. The tournament will see packed houses becoming a reality and hence it will be a good return on investment for brands that have come on board,” said the media planning expert.

    The tourney will kick-start on 24 February and five teams will battle it out for Asian supremacy in Bangladesh. It now remains to be seen if the change in format rejuvenates the tournament.

     

  • Star India all set for Asia Cup 2016; ropes in 13 sponsors

    Star India all set for Asia Cup 2016; ropes in 13 sponsors

    MUMBAI: Star India is all set for the Asia Cup, which kick-starts on 24 February and has roped in as many as 13 sponsors for the same.

    The 50-over cricket format in today fast paced age is fading into oblivion with T-20 gaining prominence as a preferred format. The Asia Cup cricket tournament, which was rolled out by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in 1983 as a goodwill between Asian countries, will have its 16th edition in Bangladesh. The tournament faced its own set of challenges time and again as it fell prey to the political inconsistencies between India and Pakistan.

    After the ACC was downsized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in April 2015, it was announced that the upcoming Asia Cup events will be played on rotation basis in One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) format based on respective next world events under the ICC. What this means is that the 2016 and 2020 events will be played using the T20I format, ahead of the 2016 and 2020 World Twenty20s, and the 2018 and 2022 events will be played in the ODI format, ahead of the 2019 and 2023 World Cups respectively. It is for the first time Asia Cup will played in the T-20 format. The announcement may be a heart-breaking one for traditional cricket lovers but it’s certainly comes as icing on the cake for the official broadcaster – Star India.

    “T-20 format is the only one, which is garnering full houses everywhere. This change in format gives the tournament a new dimension,” said a senior sports media planning expert.

    Star India acquired the broadcasting rights of the tournament till 2023, and for the first edition it has roped in as many as 13 sponsors in Micromax, Magicbricks.com, Vimal Pan Masala, Shopclues.com, CEAT Tyres, Gillete March III, Britannia, Gaana.com, Idea, Raymond, Bharti Axa life insurance, Royal Stag and Karbonn Power Bank.

    “The ad rates for a the matches will be close to Rs 4 lakh while the India VS Pakistan matches will command a higher price. Indo-Pak final can be a great boom for Star India as they can monetise it at a premium price,” asserts the expert.

    According to sources, Star India acquired the telecast rights for approximately $40 million for four seasons till 2023. An executive from a rival channel said, “We chose not to bid for it and as per my knowledge there was no bidder to place a bid in order to acquire the rights. But then after a mutual discussion between Star India and the association, they came to a consensus. The minimum slab was $13 million per season, which we thought was too high.”

    Micromax has come in as the on-ground title sponsor, while Britannia is the ‘powered by’ sponsor. “The title sponsor position was sold for Rs 8 crore, while Britannia dished out Rs 6 crore for the ‘powered by’ sponsorship. The tournament will see packed houses becoming a reality and hence it will be a good return on investment for brands that have come on board,” said the media planning expert.

    The tourney will kick-start on 24 February and five teams will battle it out for Asian supremacy in Bangladesh. It now remains to be seen if the change in format rejuvenates the tournament.

     

  • Discovery channel presents its new india series LIVING WITH KKR

    Discovery channel presents its new india series LIVING WITH KKR

    Discovery Channel will present the riveting story of IPL Team Kolkata Knight Riders’ transformation, from a group of struggling players in the early years to their emergence as formidable champion of the league in its new series LIVING WITH KKR.

    The four-part series LIVING WITH KKRwill air from February 24 to 27 at 8 pm on Discovery Channel.

    The series traces the emotional journey of the team from its unsuccessful first three years to its ultimate redemption as IPL champions. The viewers will witness candid admission by their favourite star Shah Rukh Khan – his worst fears, heart-rendingmoments and record celebrations. They will hear straight from Shah Rukh Khan the reasons for selecting Kolkata for his team, itsarduous climb, the tears from constant defeats, adapting to new format and relationships that didn’t last.

    The series also brings to the fore the unseen role played by co-owners Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta, the daring new decisions of its CEO Venky Mysore, the immense pressure absorbed by its captain Gautam Gambhir and the passion of the players, coaches and fans. In the series, Discovery Channel will also provide insights into the IPL phenomenon; the electrifying passion, poignant drama, astonishing opportunities and consummate glitz.

    Shah Rukh Khan, owner of KKR and Bollywood superstar,said, “Kolkata Knight Riders is not just a cricket team of IPL for us. It has been a family since the inception. Each and everyone involved with KKR since the beginning has had a journey worth a mention. I am thrilled to share this journey of tears, sorrow, strength and victory with everyone. On behalf of Juhi, Jay and myself, I would like to thank the different players from all seasons of IPL, the coaches, physicians, the management and everyone else who has been a part of this wonderful team for doing what they have done over the years. I also thank the very loyal fans who have supported us and loved us no matter what. And special thanks to Discovery for getting our story across to the people around the world.”

        
    Speaking on the series, Rahul Johri, senior vice president and general manager – South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific says, “Discovery Channel is recognised for its path-breaking and entertaining programmes. There is immense appetite amongst millions of cricket fans in India to gain up-close and personal access on what goes beyond the cricketing field.LIVING WITH KKRwill present the inspiring story of the team’s defeat, endeavour and absolute triumph. It will provide anunparalleled access to the all-embracing and dreamlike journey made by KKR players, coaches, fans and Shah Rukh Khan.”

    “There are moments in our lives that we always want to have with us as a memory of that time. Living With KKR is exactly that for us. The journey that KKR has had since the beginning of IPL has been unique. I am glad that we have a story to tell and with the help of Discovery Channel we will share it with the world. Hope everyone enjoys watching it as much as we enjoyed being a part of this journey that continues.” – saysVenky Mysore, CEO and MD, KKR.

    LIVING WITH KKRhas been produced for Discovery Channel by Engage Sports Media.