The Hollywood Reporter notes that sports network ESPN is returning to India after it ended its 18-year-old joint venture with 21st Century Fox-owned Star network two years ago. This time round, ESPN, which is owned by the Walt Disney Company, has partnered with Sony Pictures Television‘s India unit Multi Screen Media, whose existing sports portfolio, in addition to its range of entertainment networks, includes three channels — Sony Six, Sony Kix and Sony Six HD. Total sports viewership in India is estimated at 276 million, while advertising for sports TV is estimated at $640 million, according to a recent KPMG industry report.
“This exciting, long-term collaboration between ESPN and Multi Screen Media will serve Indian sports fans with exceptional products, content and coverage through the combined strengths and expertise of our two companies, which each have a strong heritage of leadership and innovation in India,” said ESPN International executive vp and managing director Russell Wolff.
ESPN Sony will offer ESPN films such as 30 for 30 series, as well as over 1,000 hours of ESPN programming per year, such as the March Madness NCAA Championship, U.S. College Football playoffs and boxing, among others.
