Disney+ Decision To Let Go IPL’s Digital Media Rights Might Cost Them 20 Million Subscribers

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Although Disney-Star bagged the TV broadcast rights of the hotly contested IPL Media Rights auction for 2023-2027, its streaming service could lose over 20 million subscribers for losing the Digital rights! Ambani backed Viacom18 outbid the top gun among other close contenders including Sony and Zee.

Disney-Star retained the Package A TV rights for INR 23,575 crore while Viacom18 bagged the Package B & C Digital rights for INR 23,758 crore! Viacom18 bagged the Package D rights for Australia, SA and UK regions too! While Amazon and Google had backed out even before the auction bell tolled.

Times Internet has bagged the IPL’s overseas broadcast rights for the MENA region from 2023-27.

In an emailed statement Vivek Couto, Exec Director of Media Partners Asia (MPA), a research firm remarked that this loss means trouble for Disney+ to reach its goal of 260 million global subscribers. IPL drives major footfall in the subcontinent. Vivek stated that IPL is regarded as entertainment by Indian households and not mere sports. According to MPA’s report, sports revenue in TV and online video in the APAC region will grow at a combined CAGR of 6% to US$8.9 billion by 2026. Imagine the revenue and volume of subscribers Disney+ would have gained during this tenure had they not let go of the digital rights to the carnival of cricket.

For perspective on how lucrative an IPL match is, check the stats in the following tweet –

Meanwhile Disney has revealed why it didn’t go after digital rights. The company said that they chose to do a disciplined bid with a focus on long term value creation. Due to the very high price range they didn’t retain the digital rights. Disney Star further states that they’ll be exploring other multiplatform cricket rights including that of ICC and BCCI.

Here’s how tweeple is reacting

See Also: IPL Media Rights Sold For Rs. 44,075 Crores; Viacom18 Bags Digital While Disney-Star Clinches TV Broadcast Rights

Cover Image: Sourced



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