Report: Reliance-Disney to End Free IPL Streaming, Might Introduce Hybrid Subscription Model

Highlights

• The Reliance-Disney joint venture will stop free IPL streaming in India.
• It will likely shift to a hybrid subscription model with a new rebranded streaming app.
• The new app will offer subscription plans starting at ₹149 ($1.72) for basic access.
• JioCinema currently holds streaming rights for IPL, Winter Olympics and the Indian Super League.

The Reliance-Disney joint venture is set to discontinue completely free IPL streaming in India, according to recent reports. Three different sources told Reuters that the platform may shift to a hybrid model where users will need a subscription after a certain threshold.

One of the sources confirmed that the joint venture will also launch a rebranded streaming app with subscription plans starting at ₹149 as part of this change.

The decision comes after Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance and Walt Disney merged their India media businesses in an $8.5 billion deal last year. Since securing IPL streaming rights for $3 billion in 2023, JioCinema has been offering free streaming, making the tournament accessible to millions. However, under the new model, IPL and other content will remain free for a limited period after which users will be prompted to subscribe based on their viewing habits.

“Once a user develops affinity to the platform, starts watching for free, becomes loyal … the subscription will kick in then,” said one of the sources to Reuters. This means each user’s subscription trigger point may vary depending on their consumption.

The new rebranded streaming app will introduce a basic plan for ₹149 ($1.72) and an ad-free version for ₹499 ($5.75) for three months, the source further added.

The Reliance-Disney venture operates over 100 TV channels and streaming platforms in India’s $28-billion media and entertainment industry, competing with Netflix and Amazon Prime. JioCinema currently holds streaming rights for IPL, the Winter Olympics and the Indian Super League, while Disney’s Hotstar has rights to International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments and the English Premier League.

Media industry veteran Vice Chairman Uday Shankar, known for his role in the success of Disney’s Hotstar app, is currently leading the key decisions for the venture.

FAQs

Q1. What changes are being made to IPL streaming on the Reliance-Disney platform?

Answer. The Reliance-Disney joint venture is set to discontinue completely free IPL streaming in India, shifting to a hybrid model where users will need a subscription after a certain threshold.

Q2. What are the subscription plans for the new rebranded Disney-Jio streaming app?

Answer. The new rebranded streaming app will offer subscription plans starting at ₹149 ($1.72) for a basic plan and ₹499 ($5.75) for an ad-free version for three months.

Q3. Which streaming rights does JioCinema currently hold?

Answer. JioCinema currently holds streaming rights for IPL, the Winter Olympics, and the Indian Super League.

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