The Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) announced that Viacom 18 will hold the media rights exclusively for the Indian Super League (ISL), the countrys premier football league, across all platforms. The matches will be free to stream on JioCinema and will be available in a variety of languages in order to cater to the audiences diversity. Two-year broadcasting dealViacom18s acquisition of the ISL broadcasting rights is a significant shift in the Indian sports broadcasting landscape. After a decade-long arrangement between FSDL and Star Sports, the firm is expected to take over the ISL broadcast rights. The two-year deal will run from September 1, 2023, to June 15, 2025, with an option to extend their rights for an additional three years.Vision for Indian footballThe spokesperson of FSDL said, “As we enter our 10th year of growing football in India, it is great to associate with a partner who shares the same vision and believes in growing the consumption of football in the country. Viacom18s proven record and impact in offering a fan-first football experience to the Indian audience, starting with the FIFA Football World Cup, makes them the best partner as we enter the next decade of growing Indian football.”🚨@JioCinema & @Sports18 will be the New Home of #IndianFootball for the next 2 seasons!#ISL10 kicks off on Sept. 2️⃣1️⃣ in Kochi with a blockbuster clash between rivals @KeralaBlasters & @bengalurufc 🤩#ISL #LetsFootball #ISLonJioCinema #ISLonSports18 pic.twitter.com/NwayOSF9Su— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) September 7, 2023Viacom18s ambitious goal“Winning the streaming and broadcast rights to the ISL is a big step forward for us in the direction of building a glittering stable of football action. The ISL has led the resurgence of Indian football in recent years and coming on board with the league as the exclusive media partner enables us to contribute to the development of the sport in the country. We believe this is an exciting time in Indian football and through our extensive presentation of the league, we aim to stoke a renewed interest in the hearts of every Indian football lover”, said the spokesperson of Viacom18 Media Private Limited.The ISL spokesperson officially announced that the new season will begin on September 21. The inaugural game will take place at Kochis Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium between Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC.
