Disney’s (DIS) acquisition of Twenty-First Century Fox (FOXA) assets received attention within the domestic sports world for the 22 regional sports networks included in the deal, but on a global scale, it was the purchase of Star Sports that generated the most noise. Star recently acquired the rights to the Indian Premier League (IPL) through ’22, for $2.55 billion; a rapidly growing league with a television audience that grew 22% YOY. The network also owns the rights to 76% of national team matches, ICC events and a host of other fast growing sports within the country (hockey, badminton, F1); giving DIS a significant share of India’s sports television market. Star’s digital/mobile platform Hotstar, owns the valuable streaming rights to the IPL.
Howie Long-Short: The massive draw of the IPL made Sony Max (the previous rights holder) the most watched television channel in India during the tournament; so expect the annual 2 month competition to be an advertising and sponsorship boon for both Star and Hotstar, and ultimately DIS’ bottom line. The rights aren’t coming cheap though; Star Sports will pay nearly 3x the amount Sony (SNE) paid, for half the term period.
Fan Marino: F1 held the Indian Grand Prix from 2011-2014, before Bernie Ecclestone halted the race due to issues with government taxation; despite the track holding a contract that assures them rights to 2 more races. It appears as if the race could be coming back though under Liberty Media (FWONK) management. New F1 CEO Chase Carey said in September, “there are places around the world that present us with great opportunities to grow the sport over time and certainly a country like India with the success and the growth it has had in recent years, makes it an exciting opportunity down the road.”
Why IPL could be the golden goose of Disney-Fox’s massive $52.4 billion deal
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