Sports
Sony Pictures Networks India acquires broadcast rights for Indian Football League
SPNI strengthens its football portfolio with domestic league addition for 2025-26 season.
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India has just kicked the ball into its own net in the best possible way. The broadcaster has secured the television and digital rights for the Indian Football League (formerly the I-League) for the 2025-26 season, further cementing its position as the go-to destination for football in India. SPNI’s football portfolio now boasts an impressive lineup, including the Indian Super League, Indian Football League, Durand Cup, UEFA EURO 2028, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Nations League, Bundesliga, FA Cup, and more.
Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer and business head and sports and international Rajesh Kaul said, “The Indian Football League is an important pillar of the country’s football structure, with deep regional followings and a vital role in shaping the next generation of talent. With this acquisition, we are further strengthening our football offering and building a more complete ecosystem for fans in India.”
AIFF deputy secretary general M. Satyanarayan welcomed the partnership, “We are happy to have Sony Sports Network as the broadcast partners for the league. Last season, the title race went right down to the final day, and we hope this year it will be just as exciting. The Indian Football League has its own distinct charm, and we are confident it will live up to expectations once again.”
The addition of the IFL reinforces SPNI’s long-term commitment to growing football fandom in India by bringing fans closer to the sport at every level from grassroots domestic action to the biggest international stages.
In a country where cricket often dominates the spotlight, Sony is steadily building a full-pitch football ecosystem. With the IFL now on board, fans can look forward to a richer, more rounded football calendar, one that promises both local passion and global glamour. The beautiful game just got even more beautiful on Indian screens.
Sports
IPL 19 records 96.8 ad index as advertisers and categories decline: TAM Sports report
Fewer categories and advertisers as tech and FMCG brands reshape IPL ad mix
NEW DELHI: The on-field action remains strong, but advertising activity during the Indian Premier League has shown a slight shift this season. A report from TAM Sports, a division of TAM Media Research, indicates that the first 13 matches of IPL 19 have recorded a marginal decline in commercial volumes compared to the same phase last year.
Indexed ad volumes stood at 96.8, down from 100 in IPL 18. The number of advertising categories fell from over 50 to 40, while the advertiser base reduced from 65 to 45. At the same time, the number of channels broadcasting the tournament declined from 28 to 25.
Mouth Fresheners emerged as the leading category, contributing over 14 per cent of total ad volumes. Ecom-Other Services and Ecom-Wallets followed, maintaining a strong presence during the early part of the tournament.
The technology sector has gained prominence this season. Google ranked as the top advertiser, accounting for over 13 per cent of ad share. The company focused on promoting its Google Search Engine and Google Gemini AI platform. In contrast, categories such as Ecom-Gaming and Cellular Phones-Smart Phones did not feature among the leading segments this year.
TAM Sports analyst Arjun Sharma said the decline in volumes reflects a more focused approach by advertisers, with fewer but more prominent players dominating the space.
The report also identified new entrants, with ten additional categories including Chocolates, Laptops/Notebooks, and Hair Care products. Among companies, Vishnu Packaging and Reliance Consumer Products remained key advertisers, while Havells India and K P Pan Foods continued to feature prominently.
Among brands, Vimal Pan Masala and Kamla Pasand Silver Coated Elaichi recorded high visibility, while Cadburys Dairy Milk Chocolate was among the notable new entrants.
With the tournament still underway, advertising activity may increase in the coming weeks as more brands look to capitalise on IPL viewership.
