The Reliance-Disney joint venture will end fully free streaming of IPL matches and move to a hybrid model where subscriptions will apply after a certain level of content consumption, three sources told Reuters. A new rebranded streaming app will also be launched, with subscription plans starting at ₹149 ($1.72), according to one source.
This change comes after Reliance and Disney merged their India media businesses in an $8.5 billion deal last year. Since acquiring IPL streaming rights for five years in 2023 for $3 billion, JioCinema has been offering IPL matches for free. However, under the new model, users can watch for free initially, but will need to subscribe based on their viewing habits, two sources with direct knowledge of the plan confirmed.
The rebranded streaming app will introduce a basic plan at ₹149 and an ad-free version at ₹499 ($5.75) for three months, the first source added. “Once a user develops affinity to the platform, starts watching free, becomes loyal … the subscription will kick in then,” said the first source, explaining that the timing of paid access will differ for each user.
The Reliance-Disney entity operates over 100 TV channels and multiple streaming platforms in India’s $28 billion media and entertainment industry, competing with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
JioCinema has been a key player in digital sports streaming, holding rights to IPL, the Winter Olympics, and Indian Super League football. Disney’s Hotstar, meanwhile, owns rights to ICC tournaments and Premier League football in India. The rebranded streaming platform is expected to integrate content from both, reshaping the competitive landscape of India’s digital entertainment sector.