According to reliable sources, the auction for the Indian Premier League‘s (IPL) overseas media rights which is grouped under Package D, has concluded. Given its existence in international markets, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) was aiming for this package. The winner’s name, however, will be revealed once the e-auction process is completed.
The focus is now on the digital rights to a specific group of matches known as Package C. This group includes the first game, the final match, three play-offs, and the weekend double header, totalling 18-20 of the best sets each season for the next five years.
According to reliable sources, Disney-Star and the Reliance-backed Viacom18, the winners of the TV and digital rights respectively have also expressed interest in acquiring these rights. After the proceedings commenced on Tuesday, the bid price per match for Package C has surpassed INR 27 crore, representing a nearly 69 per cent premium over the base price of INR 16 crore per match.
Viacom18 acquired the digital rights for the Indian subcontinent i.e., Package B for INR 20,500 crore, a well almost 70% premium over the base price. The winning bid from Viacom18 is worth INR 50 crore per match.
Disney-Star, on the other hand, submitted a total bid of INR 23,575 crore for the TV deal, a 30% premium over the base price and a per match value of INR 57.5 crore.