India is a nation of sports enthusiasts. From cricket to kabaddi and football to tennis, Indian audiences are passionate viewers. This enthusiasm translates into massive viewership for sports channels, making them a prime space for advertisers. For brands looking to maximize visibility and connect emotionally with audiences, advertising on sports channels offers high-impact opportunities. Let’s explore the top Indian sports channels and the unique advertising prospects they offer.

1. Star Sports Network

Overview:

Star Sports is the undisputed leader in the Indian sports broadcasting space. Owned by Disney Star, it offers a variety of channels like Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports Select, and regional versions like Star Sports Tamil and Star Sports Telugu.

Popular Sports Broadcasted:

  • Cricket (IPL, ICC events, bilateral series)
  • Football (Premier League, Hero ISL)
  • Kabaddi (Pro Kabaddi League)
  • Tennis, Hockey, and more

Advertising Opportunities:

  • Live Match Ads: High impact, great recall value
  • Spot Buys: In-between overs or breaks
  • Sponsorships: Title sponsor, co-presenting sponsor, segment sponsor (like “Man of the Match”)
  • Regional Ads: Language-specific channels enable local targeting

2. Sony Sports Network

Overview:

Sony Pictures Networks India operates a strong bouquet of sports channels like Sony Sports Ten 1, Ten 2, Ten 3, and Sony Six.

Popular Sports Broadcasted:

  • Cricket (India tours, Pakistan matches, T10 League)
  • WWE
  • UEFA Champions League and other football leagues
  • UFC and Tennis

Advertising Opportunities:

  • Event Sponsorships: WWE, UFC, and exclusive cricket series
  • Package Deals: Long-term branding during sports seasons
  • Segment Advertising: Replays, highlights, and match analysis shows
  • High Youth Engagement: Ideal for youth-centric brands

3. Sports18 (Viacom18 Network)

Overview:

Sports18 is a relatively new entrant but has gained significant traction by acquiring rights to key tournaments. It's backed by Viacom18, a joint venture of Network18 and Paramount Global.

Popular Sports Broadcasted:

  • FIFA World Cup, La Liga
  • BWF Badminton Tournaments
  • NBA, MotoGP, and more
  • IPL Digital (via JioCinema)

Advertising Opportunities:

  • Digital and TV Combo Packs: Cross-platform reach (Sports18 + JioCinema)
  • Regional Language Ads: Custom ad targeting across India
  • Programmatic Advertising on Digital: Data-driven targeting during live matches

4. DD Sports (Doordarshan)

Overview:

DD Sports, operated by Prasar Bharati, is a free-to-air sports channel that ensures wide rural and tier-2/tier-3 coverage.

Popular Sports Broadcasted:

  • National sporting events
  • Olympics and Commonwealth Games
  • Domestic cricket tournaments

Advertising Opportunities:

  • High Reach in Rural India: Great for mass-market brands
  • Affordable Ad Slots: Budget-friendly campaigns
  • Government Campaigns: Public sector brands and CSR promotions often choose DD Sports

5. Eurosport India

Overview:

Owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, Eurosport India targets niche and premium sports audiences.

Popular Sports Broadcasted:

  • Pro Wrestling
  • MotoGP, Superbike Championships
  • Golf, Cycling, Snooker

Advertising Opportunities:

  • Targeted Premium Viewership: Perfect for luxury, fitness, and automobile brands
  • Niche Sponsorships: Less clutter, more brand recall
  • B2B and Lifestyle Branding: High affinity for lifestyle and tech brands

Why Advertise on Indian Sports Channels?

1. Massive Reach

Sports events often outperform regular entertainment shows, offering nationwide visibility in a short span.

2. Emotional Connect

Live sports build passion and loyalty, increasing ad recall and brand engagement.

3. Flexible Budgets

From premium prime-time spots to regional language options and digital inventory, there’s flexibility for every budget.

4. Cross-Platform Promotions

With OTT and digital viewership on the rise, advertisers can now tap into multi-screen audiences simultaneously.

Final Thoughts

Sports advertising in India is no longer just about cricket. With diverse sports gaining popularity and the advent of digital-first viewing habits, advertisers have more opportunities than ever before. By choosing the right channel and format, brands can create impactful campaigns that resonate with millions. Whether you're a national player or a regional brand, India's sports channels offer the perfect pitch to score big on visibility and ROI.

 

Elyts Advertising and Branding Solutions | www.elyts.in  (India) | www.elyts.agency  (UAE)