ESS ropes in eight sponsors for WC

MUMBAI: ESPN Star Sports (ESS) has roped in eight sponsors for the World Cup and is in negotiations to add one more to complete its roster.

Vodafone, Hero Honda and Sony India are the joint presenting sponsors while Airtel Digital TV, Nokia, Maruti Suzuki, Philips and Pepsi are associate sponsors.
 
ESS, it has been learnt, is offering India and non India match packages to sell the remaining inventory.
 
The sports broadcaster could garner an ad revenue of Rs 4 billion upwards from the cricket World Cup, according to industry stimates.
 
When asked about the possible impact if India were to exit early, ESS’ spokesperson said the schedule takes care of this concern.

“India plays its last match on 20 March, which is a month into the event. Only four quarters, two semis and one final follow. This will ensure that a repeat of 2007 cannot happen even in the worst case scenario,” he elaborated.