On Friday (November 22), the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) confirmed that Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) acquired the media rights for all editions of the Asia Cup from 2024 to 2031 through a fair and straightforward bidding process by winning a bid of $170 million.

According to the agreement, the satellite, and digital rights of the SPNI (also known as the Culver Max Entertainment Pvt) for the upcoming eight years provide Live coverage for various ACC tournaments of men’s and women’s cricket. All the matches will be telecasted across the sports channels of Sony Sports Network and live-streamed on the SonyLIV app and its official website.

Earlier, Star India was the holder of ACC tournaments media rights for the 2016-23 cycle with a deal of $80-90 million, and tenure was temporarily extended.

ACC president Jay Shah soon posted on his X handle that the latest deal with Sony Network sets a new milestone for Asian cricket with a 70% increase compared to the previous rights cycle. He highlights the fact that ACC events are growing at a global level and the collaboration with Sony promises to provide an outstanding viewing experience for fans across the globe.

How did Sony succeed in Bagging ACC Media Rights?

Jio-Star (the recently merged networks of Disney Star and Jio Cinema) failed to ensure its participation during the e-auction on November 22 (Friday), despite submitting their bids early in the previous week in Dubai. This resulted in Sony as the only bidder to acquire media rights for a base price of USD 170 million.

Previously, Sony Pictures Network tried developing telecasting and live-streaming businesses in India by merging an agreement with Zee Entertainment Enterprises. Despite the discussion taking place for more than two years, the deal failed, leaving the moderate-level TV operators to find alternatives to expand their business in India.

However, the year 2024 has been fortunate for SPNI by not only bagging the TV and digital rights for ACC tournaments but also for all matches of New Zealand men’s and women’s cricket teams for the next seven years. This deal came into existence on 1st May 2024 and continues till 30th April 2031 which consists of India’s tour to New Zealand in 2026-27 and during the summer of 2030-31 along with tests, ODI, and T20I series played in New Zealand in this cycle.

Jay Shah About ACC’s Deal with Sony Sports Network

The ACC Chief Jay Shah voiced his cheerful moment announcing the prestigious partnership with Sony Sports Network that grants the media rights for all major tournaments from 2024 to 2031:

“Congratulations! This memorable partnership marks a 70% increase from the previous media rights cycle, highlighting the growing popularity of ACC events at the global level. Especially, the Asia Cup stands as the symbol of cricketing professionalism that bonds together the continent’s best talent.

We are confident that with Sony’s professionalism in the broadcasting industry, viewers can get an outstanding viewing experience and establish new standards for Asian cricket. Their unique approach is certain to bring a new dimension to the coverage of Asian cricket tournaments by targeting new audiences and setting new milestones,” Jay Shah said in his statement.

List of ACC Tournaments to be Broadcasted by Sony from 2024 to 2031

Here is a list of ACC tournaments Sony Network will broadcast through television, digital, and audio platforms for the 2024-31 cycle:

During these eight-year periods, the SPNI will broadcast these four editions of the Men’s Asia Cup which includes two ODIs and T20Is formats each:

Conclusion:

Jay Shah believes that a considerable increase in media rights motivates ACC to invest substantial funds into developing cricket at grassroots levels and nurture young talents, particularly for the associate nations.

Also, Gaurav Banerjee — the managing director and CEO of SPNI said that broadcasting the action-packed tournaments such as the Asia Cup is certain to entertain viewers in the forthcoming eight years, particularly considering the electrifying battle of the India vs Pakistan matches.

In addition, the Sony Sports Network’s cricket calendar for the upcoming years has become extremely busy by acquiring the media rights for broadcasting matches held in New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka.

Overall, the SPNI strives to share the thrill and emotion of high-profile matches with all cricket fans worldwide as the ACC tournaments have provided several memorable moments to enjoy the high-voltage contests between top Asian cricket teams.