The media and digital rights for cricket events are two of the hottest properties in the game. Several giants in the industry strive to win the rights for major cricketing events. Recently, Disney Star won the overall rights to telecast ICC events in India between 2023 and 2027. However, as per reliable reports, it is Zee that will broadcast[TV] the ICC events between 2023 and 2027 in the country. Here, we take a look at the reason why Zee will telecast ICC events in India although Star won the rights.
Zee has picked up the rights for ICC men’s events from Star
A couple of days ago, it was announced that Disney Star had picked up the rights for ICC events between 2023 and 2027 in India. The combined price for both TV and digital rights is $3 billion. That said, it is Zee who will broadcast the men’s ICC events (2023-27) in India.
In a path-breaking deal, Disney Star has sub-licensed the deal for the TV rights to Zee in India. Such a deal between two rival broadcasters has hardly happened before. This means that Zee will broadcast the tournaments on TV while Disney Star will hold the digital rights. It needs to be noted that Zee will merge with Sony soon. Hence, we can expect a new TV channel in the coming months.
Disney Star has sub licensed the ICC Men's TV rights to rival broadcaster ZEE for an undisclosed amount for four years. Disney Star had bid $3 billion for the combined — TV and digital rights. https://t.co/SgfYQKyCMz
— Economic Times (@EconomicTimes) August 30, 2022
A lot to subscribe to for the Indian fans
Meanwhile, for the fans in India, there is a lot to spend if they have to catch the action when India is playing. While both Disney+Hotstar and Zee channels would be required as TV and OTT options for the ICC events, a slew of other players such as FanCode and Amazon Prime are involved in games in overseas nations.
IPL rights are owned by Disney Star in the TV segment while Viacom 18 owns the digital rights. This means that multiple subscriptions will have to be purchased by the fans.
Breaking now…
AdvertisementDisney has sub-licensed its TV rights of all ICC events to Zee. Disney will only hold the digital streaming rights.
This has to be a first of its kind deal.
— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) August 30, 2022
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