Sony India Acquires $170 Million ACC Media Rights Until 2031

In a significant development for the cricketing world, Sony's India unit has successfully secured the media rights for all Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournaments until 2031. This deal, valued at approximately $170 million, marks a pivotal moment for Sony as it strengthens its position in the competitive Indian media landscape.

The bidding process saw major players like Disney and Reliance, who were anticipated to be frontrunners, opting out. This unexpected turn of events has raised eyebrows, especially considering the recent $8.5 billion merger between Reliance and Walt Disney's India media assets. The merger has already prompted scrutiny from India's antitrust body, which expressed concerns regarding the combined entity's influence over the broadcasting of cricket, a sport that holds immense popularity in the country.

Prior to this new agreement, the media rights for ACC tournaments were held by Disney-owned Star India until 2023. However, these rights were temporarily extended, paving the way for Sony's acquisition. The latest deal ensures that Asian cricket's marquee tournaments will be accessible across various platforms, including television, digital, and audio, thereby enhancing the viewing experience for cricket fans.

This development is particularly crucial for Sony, especially after its withdrawal from a $10 billion merger with Zee Entertainment earlier this year. By securing these rights, Sony is not only reinforcing its presence in the Indian market but also catering to the ever-growing demand for cricket content among fans.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this deal extend beyond just broadcasting rights. It reflects the ongoing consolidation within the industry and highlights the fierce competition among media giants to capture the lucrative sports broadcasting market. With cricket being a beloved sport in India, the ability to broadcast ACC tournaments will undoubtedly attract a significant audience, further solidifying Sony's foothold in the region.

The acquisition of the ACC media rights by Sony India is a strategic move that promises to reshape the cricket broadcasting scenario in the country. As fans eagerly await the upcoming tournaments, this deal not only enhances Sony's portfolio but also ensures that cricket enthusiasts will have access to high-quality coverage of their favorite sport. The future of cricket broadcasting in India looks promising, and it will be interesting to see how this competition unfolds in the coming years.