I-League: Sony Network to be the TV broadcast partner

The ongoing dispute between AIFF and the I-League clubs has been resolved after the announcement that the Sony Sports Network will take on the broadcasting TV rights for the upcoming I-League season.

The clubs expect that over 100 of the 132 matches will be streamed live on television.

Meanwhile, the SSEN will continue with its OTT rights and will be streaming all the matches on its official app.

The clubs have agreed to cover the cost of production and all the 12 participating clubs will pay a cost price of INR 12.5 lakhs each to Sony, which is different from their entry fee of INR 7 Lakh as decided by the AIFF.

However, Sony did not announce a bid for the I-league and hasn’t spoken anything on this matter yet but their agreement with Shrachi Sports is expected to be completed by next week.

Hence, the the first round matches will not be broadcast live on Sony and matches are expected to be live from the second match week onwards, which is scheduled to start from 29th November.

The 18th season of the I League is kickstarting today with last year's runners-up Sreenidi Deccan FC hosting the strong Gokulam Kerala FC side at Hyderabad at 4:30 PM IST. 

On the other hand, Inter Kashi will take on the newly promoted SC Bengaluru in the second match of the day at the Kalyani Stadium in West Bengal at 7:00 PM IST.