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English Premier League has extended its broadcast deal with Disney-owned Star India for the next three seasons.
The exclusive agreement will run from 2022/23 to the end of the 2024/25 season and cover the Indian subcontinent, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The deal will see all 380 Premier League matches per season broadcast across the Star Sports network and Disney+ Hotstar streaming service.
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The financial terms of the arrangement were not disclosed. However, according to InsideSport, the contract is worth nearly 25 per cent less than Star’s current agreement which runs from 2019 to 2022. The sports news outlet adds that the Premier League has now seen its media rights value in India fall for the third consecutive cycle, dropping almost 65 per cent over this period.
“We are delighted to continue our association with the Premier League and look forward to the collaboration over the next three seasons,” said Sanjog Gupta, head of sports at Disney Star.
“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.”
Paul Molnar, the Premier League’s chief media officer, added: “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.”
Despite the reported financial drop to the Star deal, the Premier League is still expected to rake in record income from its international broadcast partnerships over the next three seasons. According to The Times, the top flight will break the £10 billion ($13 billion) barrier for the 2022 to 2025 cycle. The report also states that overseas deals will be worth more than the domestic rights contracts for the first time.
The Times adds that the international deals will be worth £5.3 billion ($6.9 billion), up 30 per cent. Domestic deals are set to bring in £5.1 billion ($6.6 billion), with commercial partnerships taking the total to £10.5 billion ($13.7 billion).