IPL digital rights shift to JioStar: What Disney-Reliance merger means for fans

The Indian Premier League (IPL) final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings set a new television viewership record in India, with 169 million TV viewers tuning in, according to Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) data.

This match, which RCB won by six runs, also delivered 15 billion minutes of total watch time, making it the most-watched cricket game ever in the country. The previous record of 166 million viewers was held by a 2021 ICC T20 World Cup game between India and Pakistan.

The record-breaking viewership coincides with a significant shift in IPL's broadcasting landscape. This season marked the first after the merger of Disney and Reliance Industries' TV and streaming assets into JioStar, consolidating the IPL's digital and linear rights under one platform.

This strategic move is expected to enhance fan experience by providing seamless access to IPL content across digital and traditional media.

Virat Kohli, who led RCB to their first IPL title after playing since 2008, expressed his joy: "This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team... it is an unbelievable feeling."

The merger and the resulting consolidation of rights under JioStar could signal a new era for IPL broadcasting, potentially increasing accessibility and engagement for cricket fans across India.

The IPL final also featured notable performances, including Krunal Pandya becoming the first player to win Player of the Match in two IPL finals and Sai Sudharsan securing the Orange Cap with 759 runs.

Additionally, the final saw 23 sixes hit, tying the record for the most sixes in an IPL final, matching the 2016 final.

Overall, the Disney-Reliance merger's impact on IPL digital rights marks a pivotal moment for fans and the league's future broadcasting strategy.

The IPL final, won by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, became India's most-watched cricket match with 169 million TV viewers, surpassing previous records. This milestone coincides with the first IPL season after Disney and Reliance merged their TV and streaming assets into JioStar, consolidating digital rights.