Sony sub-licenses India-England series digital rights to JioHotstar

JioStar and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) have partnered for India’s 2025–26 cricket tours of England, with JioStar securing exclusive digital streaming rights on JioHotstar and SPNI retaining TV rights via Sony Entertainment Television.

By partnering with JioStar, SPNI has streamlined its focus on television while reducing its exposure to the competitive digital space. For JioHotstar, the deal strengthens its cricket content lineup and helps maintain engagement across its large digital user base.

The five-match Test series, beginning June 20, 2025, will be streamed live on JioHotstar and broadcast on the Sony Sports Network.

This collaboration aims to make cricket coverage accessible across platforms and reflects an increasing focus on shared distribution strategies in sports broadcasting.

Sanjog Gupta, CEO – Sports and Live Experiences at JioStar, said, “This collaboration is a win-win for all stakeholders involved — especially Indian Cricket fans — and serves the broader sporting landscape. The combination of JioHotstar’s deep digital footprint with SPNI’s broadcast network will universalise access to India’s tours of England. As the habitual destination for Cricket viewing, JioHotstar is committed to offering millions of fans — inclusive, intuitive, interactive and immersive viewing experiences. We will continue to leverage the power of our story-telling, consumer-focussed product features and connectivity to unlock infinite possibilities of serving fans on our platforms.”

Live Events

The Test series will begin at Headingley, Leeds, on June 20, followed by matches in Birmingham (July 2), Lord’s (July 10), Manchester (July 23), and The Oval (July 31). The partnership also includes India’s 2026 tour of England, covering three ODIs and five T20Is.Gaurav Banerjee, MD and CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India, said, “We are thrilled to bring this fantastic partnership to cricket fans for India’s tour to England! Backed by the power of the Sony TV network and the digital prowess of JioStar — this first-of-its-kind partnership will hope to redefine cricket coverage. Our deep thanks to our partners in ECB for their support.”SPNI acquired exclusive India broadcast rights for England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) properties in 2023 as part of an eight-year agreement extending through 2031.

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