JioStar has secured the exclusive television and digital media rights for The Hundred 2026 in India, marking a significant expansion of its cricket broadcasting portfolio. The agreement covers all 68 matches across both the men’s and women’s editions of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) 100-ball tournament, which will be available to Indian viewers through the Star Sports Network and the JioHotstar digital platform.
This acquisition aligns with JioStar’s ongoing strategy to curate a year-round lineup of premium international cricket properties. By adding The Hundred to its roster, the broadcaster aims to capture a larger share of India’s sports media market, which remains highly competitive as networks vie for exclusive access to franchise-based cricket content.
Tournament Evolution and Rebranding
The 2026 season of The Hundred is set to represent a transition period for the competition, influenced by increased financial involvement from Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners. According to recent reports regarding the league’s structure, several teams have undergone rebranding efforts to reflect these ownership shifts. Notably, MI London is set to replace the Oval Invincibles, SunRisers Leeds will succeed the Northern Superchargers, and the Manchester Super Giants will take over from the Manchester Originals.
Since its inception in 2021, the tournament has utilized a 100-ball format designed to appeal to both traditional cricket followers and new audiences. The competition maintains a consistent focus on the growth of the women’s game, ensuring that both men’s and women’s fixtures receive significant broadcast exposure. The tournament typically culminates at Lord’s Cricket Ground, one of the most recognized venues in the sport.
Star Power and Market Strategy
The appeal of The Hundred for broadcasters relies heavily on the inclusion of international talent. The tournament roster regularly features prominent players such as Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Rashid Khan, Heinrich Klaasen, Harry Brook, Phil Salt, Tim David, and David Miller. Additionally, the competition has seen increased engagement from Indian fans due to the participation of leading women cricketers, including Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, and Jemimah Rodrigues.
Prashant Khanna, Head of Rights & Innovation for Sports at JioStar, noted the strategic importance of the acquisition. He stated that the tournament’s format is designed to attract diverse audiences and that JioStar intends to leverage its platforms to grow the competition’s following within the Indian market. The integration of these matches into the JioHotstar and Star Sports ecosystems is intended to provide a seamless viewing experience for fans of both men’s and women’s professional cricket.
Commercial Implications for Cricket Broadcasting
The move by JioStar reflects a broader trend in the sports media industry where franchise-based leagues are increasingly viewed as essential assets for digital and linear growth. The commercial value of these competitions has risen as broadcasters compete to offer a consistent, high-quality stream of live sports throughout the calendar year.
By securing exclusive rights, JioStar strengthens its position against competitors in India’s sports broadcasting landscape. The deal underscores the shift toward prioritizing women’s sports as a core component of premium content packages rather than a secondary offering.
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