Zee buys global media rights of UAE T20 League, re-enters sports broadcasting

Zee Sports Broadcasting Returns: Buys Global Media Rights Of UAE T20 League, Streaming On Zee5 With 10 Linear Channels Zee Group has re-entered sports broadcasting. Zee has a long-term global media rights contract with the UAE T20 League. The UAE T20 League will be broadcast on Zee’s television channels and its over-the-top (OTT) platform, Zee5, in India and across the world. Zee sold its Ten Sports television network to Sony in 2016 for Rs 2,600 crore and exited Sports Broadcasting.

Zee has done a 10-year deal for the global media rights of this league for $ 120 million (about Rs 900 crore). The UAE T20 league, licensed by the Emirates Cricket Board, will consist of 6 teams. It will be a 34-match tournament. Reliance Industries, Adani Sportsline, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lancer Capital, GMR Group and Capri Global also own the teams. In the league, 8 international players will be allowed to play in a team. The matches of the UAE T20 League will be broadcast on Zee’s 10 linear channels across HSM (Hindi Speaking Markets), South and East Region in English, Hindi and Tamil languages.

The league will be streamed live simultaneously on Zee5 and on radio globally. This is the first sports property purchased by a cricket league broadcaster, after selling its sports business to Sony. The merger of Zee and Sony is also expected to be completed soon. It can also bid for the broadcasting rights of IPL. Khalid Al Jarooni, chairman of the UAE T20 League, said: “Nothing can be more satisfying than joining the league with a credible broadcasting partner like Zee. We are confident that Zee has the viewership strength to take our league to new heights.”

Rahul Johri, Business President, South Asia, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., said, “We are delighted to be the Official Global Media Rights Holder of the UAE T20 League. We believe that the league, which is already home to some of the biggest cricket stars and The team is attracting the franchise, will provide great cricket and entertainment to the audiences across the world.” Sources said the league was supposed to start in February, but it is likely to happen in June. Sangri Today