ICC Approaches Sony, Netflix and Amazon After JioStar Seeks Media Rights Exit. ICC has urgently engaged in talks with broadcasters and global streaming platforms to ensure its media rights in India. JioStar, the current rights-holder, is trying to get out of its long-term contract.
JioStar— a joint venture of Reliance and Disney— had won a contract for 2024-27 worth billions of dollars but found itself under financial pressure and informed the ICC of its withdrawal plans. The withdrawal has thrown uncertainty about the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will jointly host, among other things.
ICC Approaches Sony, Netflix & Amazon Prime
Now, ICC is at a point where it is talking with Sony Sports Network, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video, among others, about the possibility of taking over the media rights if JioStar officially leaves.
While the talks continue, sources suggest that acquiring media rights mid-cycle poses significant operational and financial challenges. None of the platforms has offered immediate commitments.
What’s at Stake?
The Indian market is a huge contributor to the ICC’s overall income. A change in broadcast plan could impact the tournament promotion, production timeline, and live cricket access for fans. This includes the much-awaited T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in February.
To avoid the issue for the long haul, ICC has launched a new bidding process for the rights cycle 2026-29, which is to be partnered with a reliable broadcaster for the future tournaments.
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Analysts say that the next few weeks will be significant as far as timelines being very tight. Whether JioStar continues under its present contract or ICC manages to shift to a new streaming or broadcast partner. This scenario could influence the way millions of Indian fans watch global cricket in the years to come.