STATEMENT FROM THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY ON INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE RIGHTS AUCTION
We are pleased to extend our association with the Indian Premier League and look forward to offering the next five seasons across our portfolio of television channels.We made disciplined bids with a focus on long-term value. We chose not to proceed with the digital rights given the price required to secure that package. IPL is an important component of our portfolio of television channels in India, providing an incredible opportunity for us to showcase The Walt Disney Company’s powerful global brands and iconic storytelling, as well as Disney Star’s impressive collection of local original content, to millions of viewers in India.
We will be exploring other multiplatform cricket rights, including future rights for International Cricket Council (ICC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which we currently hold through the 2023 and 2024 seasons, respectively. Additionally, we hold Pro Kabaddi League rights, Indian Super League football rights, as well as various international sports rights, including the Wimbledon Championships and the English Premier League.
At the same time, we are focused on growing our robust slate of original entertainment content for Disney+ Hotstar and our television channels in the region.
Our vast portfolio of more than 70 television channels in India cuts across general entertainment, films, sports, infotainment, kids, and lifestyle content, reaching 90% of pay cable and satellite TV homes in the region.
Disney+ Hotstar has changed the way Indians watch their entertainment – from favorite locally produced original TV shows, to global blockbuster films, and popular sporting events. Last year, Disney+ Hotstar was home to seven of the Top Ten Hindi SVOD entertainment series in India, and we currently have more than 100 local original titles in our content pipeline — with over 80 local originals slated to premiere this fiscal year.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements, including regarding our growth strategies, business plans and future content offerings, and other statements that are not historical in nature, may constitute forward-looking statements. We make these statements on the basis of our views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance at the time we make them, and we do not undertake any obligation to update these statements.
Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied in light of a variety of factors, including competitive conditions, market conditions and timing, availability and performance of content. For more information about additional factors, please refer to the risks and uncertainties described in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings.