Disney-Reliance Merger: Live IPL Matches to Stream Exclusively on Hotstar

All live sporting events in India, including the widely followed Indian Premier League (IPL), will now be exclusively streamed on Disney’s Hotstar app following the merger of Disney and Reliance’s media assets, according to sources familiar with the matter. This move marks the first significant step in integrating the two companies’ operations, and it signals that Reliance, which holds a majority stake in the newly formed venture, does not intend to discontinue the Hotstar platform. However, it remains uncertain whether Hotstar will undergo rebranding.

Both Disney and Reliance have refrained from commenting on the development. Earlier this year, the two companies agreed to an $8.5 billion merger of their media properties, creating India’s largest entertainment conglomerate with over 120 television channels and two streaming platforms. However, specific operational details following the merger have yet to be disclosed.

Reliance’s JioCinema app holds streaming rights to major events such as IPL cricket, the Winter Olympics, and the Indian Super League, while Hotstar retains rights to prestigious tournaments such as the International Cricket Council events, English Premier League, and the Pro Kabaddi League.

According to sources, Hotstar’s superior backend technology for streaming live sports and serving targeted ads was a key factor in the decision. Hotstar is expected to complete the transition to exclusive live sports streaming by January.

The future integration of other entertainment content and whether the two platforms will continue to operate separately remains uncertain. India’s competition regulator approved the merger in August, with concessions to prevent monopolistic control over cricket broadcasting rights, including a commitment not to hike advertising rates unfairly.

Hotstar has built a strong reputation for its smooth handling of live sports in India, particularly cricket, setting a record of 59 million concurrent viewers during the men’s Cricket World Cup finals last year.