Times Group-led consortium wins IPL internet, mobile rights

A consortium led by Times Internet today won the Indian Premier League's (IPL) global internet, mobile and radio rights, along with television rights in certain territories, for Rs 261.6 crore for a four-year period.

"The IPL Governing Council today announced that the media rights tender for IPL's global internet, mobile and radio rights, along with television rights in certain television territories, was won by a consortium led by Times Internet Limited, part of the Times of India group, for a total rights fee of Rs 261.6 crore for the four year period 2011-14," BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said in a statement.

Multi Screen Media (MSM), owners of Set Max, earlier held the broadcasting rights of the Twenty20 league until 2017. The firm, along with World Sports Group, had signed a deal with BCCI in 2007 for Rs 8,200 crore.

However, in June last, a new deal was renegotiated between the BCCI and MSM which kept WSG (World Sport Group) out of the broadcast deal.

This was after it uncovered alleged financial irregularities in the award of contract by ex-IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi in the form of payment of a facilitation fee of Rs 425 crore.

Today's bid opening process followed the order of the Supreme Court. "Justice Mukul Mudgal, retired Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana, was present as observer, as per the court orders," the BCCI said.

The IPL 2011 season starts on April 8 when reigning champions Chennai Super Kings host the Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai.

"The television rights to the IPL for the Indian sub-continent, which continue to be held by Set Max, along with certain other territories, were not part of the tender offer," it said.