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Sony Pictures Networks India ‍Secures Exclusive DP World⁤ Tour Broadcast Rights for the Indian Subcontinent

Sony ⁣Pictures networks India (SPNI) has announced a long-term partnership with the DP World Tour, acquiring exclusive television and digital media ⁣rights for the ⁢Indian subcontinent⁢ spanning three ‍seasons from 2026 to ⁤2028. ⁢This agreement significantly expands access to professional golf across South Asia and reinforces SPNI’s commitment to premium sports ⁣content.

Partnership Details and⁣ coverage

The partnership grants SPNI extensive coverage rights, including live event broadcasts, highlights, and related programming, across its ‍linear sports channels and digital platform, Sony LIV. The⁢ territory covered includes⁣ India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The ‍DP World Tour schedule for 2026 features tournaments in over 20 ‍countries, including five prestigious Rolex Series events. DP World Tour

Key Tournaments⁤ Included

Indian golf‍ fans can⁤ look forward to extensive coverage of ⁢key tournaments, including:

• Hero Dubai Desert Classic: The⁢ season begins with live coverage on Sony LIV from January 22, ⁣2026.
• Hero Indian Open: Scheduled for March ⁢26-29, 2026, this tournament will⁤ continue to‍ be ⁤a prominent fixture on the international golf calendar.
• DP world India Championship: Taking place from October 15-18, 2026, this event further solidifies India’s position as a key destination for professional golf.

Statements from Key Executives

Rajesh Kaul, chief Revenue Officer and Business Head, Sports and International, Sony Pictures network India, stated, ⁢”The DP World Tour represents the vrey best ⁣of global professional golf, and this long-term partnership reflects our strategic commitment to building the sport’s ecosystem across India and‍ other regions of the subcontinent.⁣ By securing exclusive‍ television and ⁢digital rights for three seasons, we are ensuring continuity, scale, deeper‍ fan engagement, and a⁣ viewing experience that blends ‍significance with reach.⁢ Sony LIV will bring fans closer to every DP World Tour event through expansive digital coverage,while our television platforms will showcase select marquee tournaments and moments that define the season,led by the ⁣Hero Indian ⁣Open and⁣ the DP‍ World India Championship.”

Richard Bunn, Chief Revenue and Content Officer⁢ at the DP ⁢World tour, added, ⁤”The DP World Tour has long links with India and ⁤its leading players, and this expanded last year with ⁤the launch of the DP World India Championship. The tournament boasted a stellar field of Ryder cup⁣ stars in its debut outing and now joins⁤ the Hero Indian Open on our ⁢global schedule. Given India’s importance to the DP World ⁣Tour,‍ we’re delighted to agree a new media rights deal that will⁤ see Sony Pictures Networks India have exclusive ‍rights to broadcast and livestream⁣ our tournaments, as golf’s global Tour travels around the world.”

Strategic Implications

This partnership aligns with SPNI’s⁤ strategy of investing in premium sports properties that appeal to affluent and urban audiences. While golf may not ⁢have mass viewership in India,it ⁣attracts‍ a valuable demographic for advertisers in sectors like luxury goods,automotive,financial services,and real estate.