Tata IPL 2025: How Broadcasting Evolved Over 18 Seasons

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has reached its 18th edition in 2025, continuing to captivate cricket fans worldwide. Currently, the live streaming rights for TATA IPL 2025 are held by JioCinema, a part of Viacom18, making it accessible to millions of viewers on digital platforms. 

As the tournament grows larger with each passing year, its broadcasting journey reflects a dynamic evolution marked by changing partnerships and increasing value.

Let's take a closer look at the history of IPL broadcasting, exploring how it has transitioned from its initial days to the present, making it a global sporting spectacle.

IPL Broadcasting Journey: Season 1 to Present

• 2008–2017: Sony Pictures Networks India

The IPL made its grand debut in 2008, with Sony Pictures Networks India (formerly Multi Screen Media) securing the broadcasting rights for the first 10 seasons. The deal, valued at US$1 billion, granted Sony exclusive television broadcasting rights in India. During this period, Sony’s channels, primarily SET Max and Sony Six, became synonymous with IPL cricket, delivering memorable moments to households across the country.

Sony's engaging commentary, innovative pre-match shows, and regional language broadcasts played a significant role in making the IPL a household name.

Read More, Dressing-Room Discussions: The Costs of Investments Revealed. 

• 2018–2022: Star India

In 2017, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) conducted a fresh auction for the IPL media rights. Star India emerged as the winner, securing both television and digital rights for around $2.55 billion for the 2018–2022 cycle. This marked a new era in IPL broadcasting, with Star India airing the matches on its television network, Star Sports, and streaming them on Hotstar.

• 2023–2027: Star India and Viacom18

The broadcasting rights for the 2023–2027 cycle marked a turning point as the BCCI opted to split television and digital rights between multiple entities:

• Television Rights (India): Star Sports India retained the television rights for ₹23,575 crores. The matches continue to air on Star Sports, catering to traditional TV viewers.
• Digital Rights (India): Viacom18 secured the digital rights for the IPL for ₹23,758 crores, streaming the matches live on JioCinema until 2024. 

In March 2024, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) acquired Paramount Global's 13.01% stake in Viacom18 for ₹4,286 crores, raising its overall stake to 70.49%. Later, in November 2024, Disney and RIL finalised an $8.5 billion deal to establish a media and entertainment giant in India. As a result, JioHotStar, a joint OTT platform created by merging JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, was launched in February 2025, becoming the official streaming partner for IPL 2025.

• Non-Exclusive Digital Rights: Viacom18 also secured a special package for non-exclusive streaming of 18 marquee matches per season for ₹3,273 crores.
• International Broadcasting: Viacom18 obtained the rights for regions like the UK, Australia, and South Africa. Times Internet managed the broadcasting in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

This combined media rights deal, valued at a whopping ₹48,390 crores, established the IPL as one of the most valuable sports leagues globally.

Conclusion

From its beginnings with Sony Pictures to the current split between JioHotStar and Viacom18, the IPL's broadcasting journey reflects its growing appeal and market value. The transition from traditional TV to digital streaming on platforms like JioHotStar demonstrates how the league has adapted to changing viewership trends. 

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