KOLKATA: Star India’s association with the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is set to continue as it has retained the League's media rights for the next five seasons (2021-2025).
Mashal Sports, the organising company of the PKL, successfully concluded the auctions for media rights on 15 April, wherein Star India cast the winning bid worth Rs 180 crores per year, totalling Rs 900 crores for five years
The broadcaster has retained the media rights at an average annual value, which is double of last season's rights fee. The company will be responsible for producing a world-class feed and a strong marketing commitment to the league.
Mashal Sports & league commissioner of the Pro Kabaddi League CEO Anupam Goswami said, “Kabaddi is a magnificent indigenous sport. Mashal along with its supporters and partners including AKFI, our players, franchises and media rights partner have been able to create a strong media asset for our beloved fans in the form of the Pro Kabaddi League. The auction process has been guided by an independent auction committee, comprising eminent individuals. With this important step now over, we are excited to conduct a stellar PKL season 8 later this year. Our focus during this rights period will be to further build on the success of PKL and work closely with Star India to offer our fans more and innovative ways to engage with PKL through various mediums including television, digital and gaming.”
Star India was the media rights partner for PKL for the first seven seasons of the league. This was the first time Mashal Sports offered the media rights to eligible domestic and global players through an open tender process.
The Walt Disney Company India & Star India president K Madhavan said, “Over the years, we have made significant investments to enhance the aspirational value of PKL, making it the second most-watched sporting league in the country. By delivering an event broadcast of international standards, we have elevated the status of this indigenous sport, reinforcing our commitment towards building a multi-sporting nation. We will continue to work closely with Mashal Sports to take Kabaddi to greater heights.”
