EPL renews rights deal with Star India

The English Premier League has renewed its rights deal with Disney-owned Star India for the next three seasons, albeit at a reportedly decreased value.

The broadcaster will broadcast all 380 EPL matches per season across the Star Sports network and streamer Disney+ Hotstar in the Indian subcontinent. The three-season deal will run to the end of the 2024/25 season, extending the league’s partnership with the broadcaster to more than 20 years.

Sanjog Gupta, head of sports at Disney Star said: “We are delighted to continue our association with the Premier League and look forward to the collaboration over the next three seasons. Our joint efforts have seen viewership for the league grow manifold and we remain committed to widening its popularity as well as deepening the affiliation for its clubs.

“With Premier League and the Indian Super League (ISL), we are home to the two most popular football leagues in India and will continue our endeavour to grow football fandom in the country.”

EPL chief media officer Paul Molnar said: “The Premier League is delighted to announce an extension of our exciting association with Disney Star. They will be an outstanding home for the Premier League over the next three seasons and we look forward to working together to showcase the league to new and existing fans throughout the Indian subcontinent.”

While India remains one of the most important international markets for the league, a report from InsideSport claims that the new deal is worth almost 25% less than the current agreement that runs until the end of the season. This, it says, will be the third consecutive cycle where EPL rights have dropped in India.