JioHotsar ends free IPL streaming! New subscription plans announced
What's the story
Reliance Jio has finally called curtains on free streaming of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches.
The telecom giant's new recharge plan, starting at ₹299 for mobile users, will now enable them to watch the IPL on Reliance-Disney's newly-merged JioHotstar streaming platform.
This marks a departure from the last two years of complimentary access to one of India's most popular sporting events.
Season details
IPL 2025 season to commence on March 22
The 2025 IPL season, one of the nation's most streamed sporting league, will run from March 22 to May 25.
Earlier, a Reuters report stated that the Reliance-Disney joint venture would no longer offer free streaming for IPL cricket matches.
Instead, it will follow a "hybrid model" where subscription kicks in after content consumption reaches a threshold.
Broadband trial
Jio's new plan includes 50-day trial of broadband services
The new subscription plan also comes with a 50-day trial of Reliance Jio's broadband internet services. This move further aims to promote high-speed sports streaming.
Mukesh Ambani's pricing strategy for IPL and other cricketing events is closely watched, considering media rights for these events have cost the merged group nearly $10 billion in the past few years.
Market presence
Reliance-Disney JV operates over 100 TV channels
The Reliance-Disney joint-venture runs over 100 TV channels and streaming apps in India's $28-billion media and entertainment market. This extensive reach highlights the importance of the new subscription plan for IPL streaming.
Notably, the decision to charge users for IPL matches is being viewed as a strategic move by Jio, one that would further cement its position in the competitive Indian telecom and entertainment space.