Walt Disney has reported that its TV channels in India and its digital streaming platform set new viewership records during the men’s cricket World Cup. A record-breaking 518 million viewers from India watched matches on TV during the 48-day event, and the streaming app reached a peak concurrent viewership of 59 million during the finals. This comes as Disney faces competition from JioCinema in the streaming sector, with both platforms offering free streaming of cricket matches on smartphones. Notably, Disney has secured the digital and streaming rights to ICC tournaments in India from 2024 to 2027 with a payment of $3 billion.

Disney’s success in viewership numbers reflects the popularity of cricket in India. The country hosted the 13th edition of the cricket World Cup from October 5 to November 19, where the Indian national team lost to Australia in the final. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has also announced that a massive 1.25 million fans attended World Cup matches in person.

Disney’s move to offer free streaming of cricket matches on smartphones via its streaming platform, Hotstar, was aimed at boosting advertising revenue and offsetting the impact of a subscriber exodus. Mukesh Ambani, billionaire owner of JioCinema, has been promoting his platform by claiming that mobile streaming is the future of live match viewing.

It is worth mentioning that Disney has been exploring options for its India business, including finding a joint venture partner or even selling the business entirely.

In conclusion, Walt Disney’s TV channels and streaming platform experienced exceptional viewership numbers during the men’s cricket World Cup in India. The record-breaking 518 million Indian viewers on TV and the peak concurrent viewership of 59 million on the streaming app highlight the immense popularity of cricket in the country. As Disney competes with JioCinema in the streaming sector, both platforms have offered free streaming of cricket matches on smartphones to attract users. Disney’s success in viewership is crucial for its advertising revenue and offsetting subscriber exodus, as it explores options for its India business.