New Delhi:
The Indian Premier League (IPL), one of the world’s most watched cricket tournaments, is set to undergo a significant transformation in its digital streaming model. Starting from the 2025 season, IPL matches will no longer be available for free streaming, marking a pivotal shift in how cricket fans consume the sport digitally.
JioHotstar, the newly launched platform resulting from the merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, will be the new home for IPL streaming. This change comes after Viacom18 acquired the digital rights for the IPL in 2023 for a staggering $3 billion. As a result, cricket enthusiasts will now need to subscribe to watch full IPL matches, with subscription plans starting at ₹149.
JioCinema had been streaming IPL matches for free since 2023, but this practice will be discontinued for the 2025 season. The IPL 2025 matches will now be streamed exclusively through JioHotstar, a joint venture between Viacom18 and Star India. Under the new model, users will only be able to view a few minutes of an IPL match for free before being prompted to subscribe.
The subscription plans on JioHotstar are designed to cater to various user preferences. The basic plan starts at ₹149, which includes access to live IPL matches with advertisements. For a more premium experience, users can opt for the ad-free plan at ₹499 for three months. Additional plans, including a premium option with features like multi-angle views and AI-powered match insights, are expected to be announced soon.
Viacom18’s acquisition of the IPL digital rights for $3 billion from 2023 to 2027 underscores the significant investment in this new streaming model. JioHotstar aims to provide an enhanced viewing experience, offering a vast library of content that includes live sporting events, entertainment, and other engaging content for over 50 crore users.
The merger between Viacom18 and Star India, forming JioStar, has led to the introduction of this hybrid subscription model. This strategic move aligns with the global trend of monetizing premium sports content through subscriptions rather than ad-supported free streaming. The IPL 2025 season, expected to start by the third week of March, will see matches held at traditional home venues of the 10 franchises, as well as additional locations like Guwahati and Dharamsala.
The shift to a subscription model is likely to impact digital viewership and ad revenue. While some fans may be disappointed by the end of free streaming, this change could benefit advertisers by providing access to a more engaged and premium audience. The new model presents both risks and opportunities for advertisers, with potential benefits in terms of deeper brand interactions and curated brand experiences.
