ESS ties with global partners for Hockey India League

Mathches to be telecast in 83 territories across the world

 

ESPN STAR Sports (ESS), the official broadcaster of Hero Hockey India League, has lined up global syndication partners for showcasing the inaugural hockey league in more than 83 territories worldwide.

 

The first edition of the league is being broadcast with Hindi commentary on STAR Sports while STAR Cricket is showcasing select matches of the league in English.

Among the international partners are Fox Sports for Australia, Sky Sports for New Zealand, Ten Sports in Pakistan, South East Asia and MENA region.

Aloke Malik, Managing Director, ESPN Software India, said, “These partnerships reinforce our commitment to set new benchmarks in the distribution of Hero Hockey India League. We look forward to working closely with all our partners and serve hockey fans all over the world with some mouth-watering high quality content.”

Narinder Batra, chairman, HHIL, added, “It is great to know that the first edition of the league can be seen by hockey fans across the world. We are confident that the popularity of the league and the game of Hockey per se, will greatly benefit from these international distribution tie-ups.”

HHIL’s broadcast in India, at the end of week 2, has been seen by 22.7 million hockey fans. Its reach is almost four times Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy which had full tournament reach of 58 lakhs.

HHIL's Facebook page has attracted more than 410,000 fans making it world’s largest field hockey Facebook page.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) sanctioned HHIL has players from 11 countries. The first edition has witnessed participation from 5 teams namely Uttar Pradesh Wizards, Jaypee Punjab Warriors, Delhi Waveriders, Mumbai Magicians and Ranchi Rhinos.