The landscape of Indian sports broadcasting is going to change with JioStar, the newly merged entity of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, announcing the end of free streaming for the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting in 2025.
This move signals a strategic shift towards a subscription-based model, aiming to monetize the massive viewership of one of the world’s most popular sporting events.
Background: The Rise of JioCinema and the Merger
JioCinema disrupted the Indian streaming market by offering free streaming of the IPL beginning in 2023. This was made possible by Viacom18’s acquisition of the digital rights for a substantial $3 billion.
This aggressive strategy attracted a massive audience and challenged established players like Disney+ Hotstar.
In a landmark development, Reliance Industries (Viacom18’s parent company) and Walt Disney have finalized an $8.5 billion merger of their Indian media operations.
This merger has resulted in the creation of JioStar, a unified streaming platform that combines the strengths of JioCinema’s technological prowess and Disney+ Hotstar’s extensive content library.
The End of Free IPL Streaming
The decision to move away from free IPL streaming is a direct consequence of the merger and the need to generate revenue to justify the significant investment in acquiring and broadcasting the tournament.
While the free streaming model was successful in attracting a huge audience, it did not translate into substantial revenue.
By introducing a subscription-based model, JioStar aims to tap into the potential of its large user base and convert a significant portion of them into paying subscribers.
While the official announcement clearly states the change, there are unconfirmed reports of a potential “hybrid model” where viewers might be able to watch a limited number of minutes or overs for free before being prompted to subscribe.
However, the full IPL experience, including access to all matches, will require a paid subscription.
JioStar’s Subscription Plans: A Detailed Look
JioStar is rolling out a range of subscription plans designed to cater to diverse user needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the announced plans:
- Mobile-Only Plan: This is the entry-level plan, targeting users who primarily watch content on their mobile devices.
- Price: ₹149 for three months. The annual cost is ₹499.
- Resolution: Limited to a maximum of 720p (HD).
- Audio: Stereo sound.
- Device: Only streamable on one mobile device.
- Ad-Free Plan: If you want to enjoy ad-free IPL on your mobile, this plan is the right choice for you. It offers the same features as the Mobile-Only plan.
- Price: ₹499 for three months.
- Super Plan: This is a mid-tier plan offering a balance of features and price.
- Price: ₹299 for 3 months. The annual cost is ₹899.
- Resolution: Full HD (1080p).
- Audio: Dolby Atmos sound.
- Devices: Allows streaming on up to two devices simultaneously, including TVs, laptops, and mobiles.
- Premium Plan: The top-tier plan is designed for users who want the best possible streaming experience.
- Price: ₹499 for 3 months. The annual cost is ₹1499.
- Resolution: Ultra HD 4K (2160p).
- Audio: Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos audio.
- Devices: Allows streaming on up to four devices simultaneously.
