The Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 has signed a media rights deal with the sports broadcast baron, Sony Sports Network.
The three-year television pact will commence on December 28, 2024. The competition’s coverage will be available live to view on Sony Sports Ten 1 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi), and Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil and Telugu) channels in Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD). Via this multi-language and multi-channel pact, HIL could cater to hockey fans in different regions across India.
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India, said, “Hockey has gained significant popularity in India with the Indian team’s success in consecutive Olympics contributed to the resurgence. At Sony Sports Network, we have always been committed to serving sports fans with a diverse sports portfolio for Indian fans.
“The inclusion of one of the world’s premier franchise-based hockey leagues in our offerings will undoubtedly bring fans closer to the game. We are excited about this three-season partnership and see it as a key step toward establishing ourselves as the ‘Home of Hockey,’ just as we have done with other major sports in our portfolio.”
Hockey India League (HIL) Governing Committee Chairperson Dr Dilip Tirkey, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Sony Sports Network for the telecast of HIL 2024-25. Their expansive coverage across multiple channels and languages will ensure that fans from all corners of the country can enjoy the league. This season is poised to be bigger, better, bolder, and we are confident that Sony’s unmatched telecast capabilities will help take the excitement of Indian hockey to new heights.”
Hockey India League (HIL) Governing Committee Member Bhola Nath Singh, said, “Our focus has always been on promoting hockey to a wider audience, and this partnership with Sony Sports Network allows us to do just that. With their multilingual telecast plan, we are making the sport accessible to a larger audience, bringing them closer to the game. We believe this season will set a new benchmark in terms of viewership and fan engagement.”
Sony Sports Network Broadcast Details for HIL 2024-25:
• Sony Sports Ten 1 – English (SD and HD)
• Sony Sports Ten 3 – Hindi (SD and HD)
• Sony Sports Ten 4 – Tamil and Telugu (SD and HD)
The forthcoming edition will be played in Rourkela and Ranchi. It will feature prominent hockey players and men’s and women’s leagues.
In one of the recent developments for SSN, the entity also inked a media rights deal with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) until 2031.