Sport DECODED
Previous edition: 12 Apr 2024
Share article
Get the full version straight to your inbox.
Exclusive access to our best-in-class data & intelligence
Subscribe now
SPN back in as Indian Formula E media rights partner
The broadcaster replaces rival Star India in covering the all-electric motor racing series.
Formula E, the all-electric single-seater motor racing series, has announced a three-year broadcast rights deal across the Indian subcontinent with Sony Pictures Networks.
Through the tie-up, all practice sessions, qualifying stints, and races will be covered live by the Sony Sports Network’s linear channels, as well as by the Sony LIV over-the-top streaming platform.
The first race under the terms of the new deal will take place this weekend (April 13 and 14), as the Misano E-Prix is staged in Emilia-Romagna, in northern Italy.
Last season, SPN's rival Star India held Formula E rights across the subcontinent.
However, SPN has covered Formula E action before, across the 2918-20 cycle.
In addition to India, this tie-up also covers Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Aarti Dabas, chief media officer at Formula E, said: “With an enthusiastic, diverse, and young sports fanbase, India is an important growth market for us. As such, we are delighted to have teamed up with Sony Sports Network to supercharge this growth. This partnership guarantees that Indian fans will enjoy unparalleled access to Formula E content.”
While India is indeed seen as a Formula E growth market, the country had to back out of hosting its second-ever E-Prix this season, scheduled for Hyderabad in February, due to a regional government decision.
However, the country does have a team competing in the series, Mahindra Racing, who feature Indian driver Jehan Daruvala.
Rajesh Kaul, SPN India’s chief revenue officer for distribution and international business, and head of sports business, added: “Formula E is the future of motorsports racing in the world and we are confident that the strong Indian connection is bound to ensure more love from sports enthusiasts in India.”
In addition to the live action, SPN will also cover the Formula E behind-the-scenes series, Unplugged.
The 2024 Formula E campaign began in Mexico City on January 13, and runs through until late July in London, UK.
In terms of recent media activity, January saw the series renew its Europe-wide tie-up with global media conglomerate Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).
WBD has been a broadcast partner of Formula E since 2015, with the renewed deal set to take that partnership to at least 2027.
In terms of other motor racing coverage rights in India, meanwhile, streaming service FanCode holds rights to the iconic Formula 1 series in 2024.
Latest news
BBC hires Kay-Jelski to replace Slater as head of sport
Barbara Slater announced in September that she will be retiring after 14 years in the role.
Glasgow presents last resort Commonwealth Games hosting bid
Commonwealth Games Scotland revealed plans for a scaled-down event should the CGF fail to agree another host for 2026.
CW Network to begin media rights deal with Nascar a year early
The broadcaster is set to exclusively broadcast the second-tier Nascar Xfinity Series in the US between 2025 and 2031.
Sky and BBC confirm one-year WSL extensions
The broadcasters' current deals were due to expire at the end of the ongoing 2023-24 campaign.
Yokohama Rubber announced as ATP Tour Gold partner
The tire brand will activate across a number of ATP Tour events including the season-ending ATP Tour Finals.
Wasserman acquires Volante Sports agency
Volante director Luca Rosso will become Wasserman’s vice president of women's soccer.
CBS extends with WNBA, adds to league's domestic partner list for 2024
Eight games from the upcoming 2024 WNBA season will air on the main CBS broadcast network.
In our previous edition
Sport Decoded
Billie Jean King Cup to be covered by EBU's Eurovision Sport
11 Apr 2024
Sport Decoded
LiveMode and FIFA extend World Cup media rights sales partnership
10 Apr 2024
Sport Decoded
E1 in seven-territory media rights deal with TV Arena in Balkans
09 Apr 2024
Newsletters in other sectors
Aerospace, Defence & Security
Banking & Payments
Travel and Tourism
Search companies, themes, reports, as well as actionable data & insights spanning 22 global industries
Access more premium companies when you subscribe to Explorer