Sony Pictures Networks India is to acquire TEN Sports Network from Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited. The popular South Asian sports network is being sold for US$385 million.
Included in the deal are TEN Sports channels TEN 1, TEN 1 HD, TEN 2, TEN 3, TEN Golf HD, TEN Cricket, TEN Sports, all of which operate across the Indian sub-continent as well as the Maldives, Singapore, Hong Kong, Middle East and the Caribbean.
Sony already has a foot in the sports market. Since January 2016 it has operated Sony ESPN, after the US-owned sports network ended its long-term agreement with Star Sports.
Andy Kaplan, President, Worldwide Networks, Sony Pictures Television said: “India has been a strong driver of Sony Pictures’ growing networks business for two decades, and sports continue to play a significant role in that growth. The acquisition of TEN Sports, following the launch of SONY ESPN channels, will mean that our Indian networks would reach over 800 million viewers and broadcast many of the most popular and prestigious sporting events in the world.”
TEN Sports holds broadcast rights to major cricket boards (South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe). In addition, Ten Sports holds rights to wrestling (WWE), football (UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, French League, English Football League Cup), tennis (WTA Events, ATP events), golf (European Tour, Asian Tour, Ryder Cup, US PGA Championship, LPGA Tour, Professional Golf Tour of India and Golf Channel Block), athletics (Asian Games, Commonwealth Games), motor sports (Moto GP) and cycling (Tour de France) events.
