iWorld
JioHotstar serves up aces as TPL’s streaming partner for three seasons
MUMBAI: If tennis needed a power shot in India, this one lands right on the line. The Tennis Premier League (TPL) has inked a three-year partnership with JioHotstar, making the country’s largest streaming platform the official digital home of the league starting Season 7.
The multi-season tie-up marks a major leap for TPL’s digital ambitions, tapping into JioHotstar’s expansive reach to bring live matches, highlights, behind-the-scenes access, and exclusive features to fans nationwide. With tennis viewership soaring across India, the partnership aims to accelerate the sport’s rise from niche favourite to mass spectacle.
Founded on a fast-paced 25-point format designed to simplify the game for wider audiences, TPL has steadily built a loyal base backed by tennis icons Leander Paes, Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi, along with celebrity co-owners Rakul Preet Singh and Sonali Bendre Behl.
Season 7, scheduled from 9 to 14 December 2025 at the Gujarat University Tennis Stadium in Ahmedabad, arrives with star wattage unlike any before. For the first time, the league will feature Top 50 international players, raising the competitive stakes dramatically.
The international line-up includes:
● Luciano Darderi (World No. 26)
● Alexandre Muller (World No. 42)
● Damir Džumhur (World No. 57)
● Dan Evans (former World No. 21)
● Rohan Bopanna, two-time Grand Slam champion
They join a strong roster of leading Indian and global players, setting the stage for TPL’s most electrifying edition yet.
Tennis Premier League co-founder Kunal Thakkur described the partnership as a milestone moment, “TPL has always aimed to revolutionise how tennis is consumed in India. Partnering with JioHotstar ensures fans everywhere can now experience the league in the most engaging and accessible way possible.”
Fellow Tennis Premier League co-founder Mrunal Jain added, “Our vision has always been to make tennis a household sport. JioHotstar gives us the perfect platform to reach millions and bring them courtside to the TPL experience.”
Season 7 powered by Clear Premium Water will feature eight teams, SG Pipers, Gurgaon Grand Slammers, Chennai Smashers, GS Delhi Aces, Yash Mumbai Eagles, Hyderabad Strikers, Gujarat Panthers, and Rajasthan Rangers, with Yonex Sunrise as the Official Equipment Partner.
As India gears up to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, TPL’s latest partnership signals a sport hitting its stride faster rallies, bigger names, and now, streaming access that ensures tennis fans never miss a point.
iWorld
Cineflicks set to enter India’s OTT market with community-first focus
New platform aims to blend streaming content with interactive viewing experiences
MUMBAI: A new player is gearing up to join India’s crowded streaming arena, with Cineflicks preparing to launch as a community-driven OTT platform aimed at redefining how audiences engage with digital entertainment.
The platform plans to offer a mix of movies, series and digital content, while placing equal emphasis on building an interactive ecosystem where viewers can connect, share and participate beyond passive viewing.
India’s OTT market has seen explosive growth over the past decade, fuelled by rising smartphone penetration and affordable internet access. As streaming becomes the default mode of content consumption, new entrants are increasingly looking to differentiate themselves not just through content libraries but through user experience.
Cineflicks appears to be positioning itself within this next phase of evolution. Instead of focusing solely on scale, the platform is aiming to create a space where audiences can engage more deeply with the content they watch, turning entertainment into a shared experience rather than a solo activity.
While details around its content slate remain under wraps, people familiar with the development say the platform is currently building out features and partnerships ahead of a phased rollout. The broader strategy suggests a blend of content discovery, community interaction and digital participation.
The timing is notable. With global and regional streaming platforms competing intensely for attention, the emphasis is slowly shifting towards engagement and retention rather than just acquisition. Platforms that can foster stronger audience connections may have an edge in this evolving landscape.
Cineflicks’ entry reflects the continued expansion of India’s digital entertainment ecosystem, where innovation is increasingly being driven by how content is experienced, not just what is offered.
As the platform moves closer to launch, the real test will be whether it can translate its community-first pitch into a compelling, everyday habit for viewers.
