OTT and Streaming in India
Live Sports and the IPL Streaming Battle
Cricket became the main battleground, with JioCinema streaming the IPL free in 2023 and Disney+ Hotstar competing before a merger.
Sports bring mass audiences.
Rights war
Digital rights to the IPL went to Viacom18’s JioCinema for 2023 to 2027.
Free streaming
JioCinema streamed the IPL free, drawing record concurrent viewers.
Merger
In 2024, Reliance and Disney combined their media businesses, and the streaming services were merged into JioHotstar in 2025.
Economics
Free sport attracts advertisers and users, subscription revenue follows for other content.
A record audience
Tens of millions watch a final at the same time on phones.
Assuming free sports mean no revenue
Advertising pays.
Key takeaways
- Cricket drives audiences.
- JioCinema streamed the IPL free.
- Reliance and Disney merged.
- Ads fund free sport.
No recording for this one yet - EconReader can read it aloud for you.