Sports18 Network will be launching 2 new channels from 1st November.

• • Sports18 2 will be the channel for Hindi-speaking sports fans. It will broadcast live cricket matches featuring the Indian team and other major tournaments such as the WPL, IPL, and ICC events. It will also cover other sports such as football, tennis, badminton, and motorsports.
  • Sports18 3 will be the channel for Tamil and Telugu-speaking sports fans. It will offer live commentary in both languages for cricket and other sports events. It will also showcase local sports talent and culture through various shows and documentaries.

What to Expect from Sports18 Network: A New Player in the Indian Sports Broadcasting Industry

Sports18 Network is a joint venture between Viacom18 and Paramount Global that aims to provide quality sports content to Indian viewers. The network was launched on 15th April 2022 with two channels: Sports18 1 SD and Sports18 1 HD. Later, it added another channel, Sports18 Khel, which is exclusively available on DD Free Dish.

The network has secured the media rights for international and domestic cricket matches from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the next five years, from September 2023 to March 2028. The deal is worth Rs 5,963 crore and includes the Women’s Premier League (WPL), a T20 tournament for women cricketers.

Besides cricket, Sports18 Network also holds the rights to other popular sports events such as the FIFA World Cup, ATP Tour Masters 1000, BWF World Championships, MotoGP, Indian Super League, Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A, and more.

To cater to the diverse preferences of Indian sports fans, the network is launching two new channels on 1st November 2023: Sports18 2 and Sports18 3. These channels will offer live sports coverage in regional languages such as Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

Why Sports18 Network Needs More Channels

One of the reasons why Sports18 Network is expanding its portfolio is to compete with the established players in the Indian sports broadcasting industry: Star Sports Network and Sony Sports Network. These networks have a strong presence in the market with multiple channels in different languages and genres.

Another reason is to reduce the dependency on other Viacom18 channels for telecasting live sports events. Previously, the network had to use its music and movie channels such as MTV, VH1, and Colors Cineplex Superhits for broadcasting sports events in regional languages. This created a conflict with the core audience of these channels and also affected their ratings.

By launching more dedicated sports channels, Sports18 Network can offer a better viewing experience to its target audience and also focus on its niche content.

What are the Features of Sports18 2 and Sports18 3

Sports18 2 and Sports18 3 are the new additions to the Sports18 Network family. They will be available in standard definition (SD) format initially, but there are plans to launch their high definition (HD) versions soon.

Sports18 2 will be the channel for Hindi-speaking sports fans. It will broadcast live cricket matches featuring the Indian team and other major tournaments such as the WPL, IPL, and ICC events. It will also cover other sports such as football, tennis, badminton, and motorsports.

Sports18 3 will be the channel for Tamil and Telugu-speaking sports fans. It will offer live commentary in both languages for cricket and other sports events. It will also showcase local sports talent and culture through various shows and documentaries.

How Will Sports18 Network Distribute Its Channels

The distribution of Sports18 Network channels will depend on various factors such as availability, demand, pricing, and regulations. The network will try to reach out to as many viewers as possible through different platforms such as cable TV, DTH operators, OTT services, and online streaming.

The network has already faced some challenges in distributing its existing channels. For instance, there was a delay in adding Sports18 1 SD and Sports18 1 HD to most of the DTH operators. The network had to launch them on the occasion of the first-ever WPL in April 2022.

However, with the recent acquisition of BCCI cricket rights, the network has gained more confidence and leverage in the market. It hopes to attract more viewers and advertisers with its new channels and content.

What is the Future of Sports18 Network

Sports18 Network is a new entrant in the Indian sports broadcasting industry, but it has ambitious plans to grow its presence and popularity. The network aims to provide quality sports content that appeals to different segments of Indian viewers. It also wants to promote local sports talent and culture through its channels.

The network faces stiff competition from Star Sports Network and Sony Sports Network, which have a loyal fan base and a wide range of content. The network will have to differentiate itself from its rivals by offering unique features and benefits to its viewers.

The network also has to deal with the challenges of distribution, regulation, piracy, and changing consumer behavior. The network will have to adapt to the changing trends and preferences of Indian sports fans and offer them value-added services such as interactive features, personalized recommendations, and exclusive access.

The coming days will be exciting for Indian sports fans as they will have more options to choose from when it comes to watching their favorite sports events. Sports18 Network is one of those options that promises to deliver quality content in regional languages.