Sports18 Channels Rebranded as Star Sports

Expanding Network for a New Era of Live Sports Entertainment

JioStar has successfully integrated all Sports18 channels into the Star Sports Network, effective March 15, 2025. This strategic move cements Star Sports as India’s leading destination for live sports coverage. With this expansion, Star Sports now operates 24 channels, significantly broadening its reach and content offerings for sports enthusiasts across the country.

As part of the rebranding, the newly integrated channels include Star Sports 2 Hindi, Star Sports 2 Hindi HD, Star Sports 2 Telugu, Star Sports 2 Telugu HD, Star Sports 2 Tamil, Star Sports 2 Tamil HD, Star Sports 2 Kannada, and Star Sports Khel. Additionally, Star Sports Khel is now available on all DTH platforms and cable networks, ensuring greater accessibility.

Piyush Goyal, Head of TV Distribution at JioStar, emphasized the importance of live sports in driving television engagement. “Live sports is a powerful force in expanding TV viewership in India. Our goal is to bring the excitement of sports into every home, ensuring that fans stay connected to the action as it happens. By leveraging the passion for sports, we aim to broaden the television audience and make sports a staple of daily entertainment.”

Mallika Petkar, Head of Strategy & Business Development, Sports at JioStar, highlighted the network’s vision. “At Star Sports, we are dedicated to deepening engagement with passionate sports fans while expanding our reach nationwide. Our mission is to make sports more accessible, immersive, and impactful, fostering a larger and more dedicated fanbase. By delivering compelling content, we seek to inspire millions and introduce new audiences to the world of sports.”

Star Sports has played a key role in shaping India’s sports culture, offering extensive coverage of major events that have become ingrained in the nation’s identity. Flagship shows like Cricket Live, Follow The Blues, Match Point, Game Plan, and Countdown have provided fans with in-depth analysis and engaging content. From cricket and football to kabaddi and hockey, Star Sports has been instrumental in promoting various sports, helping India evolve into a multi-sport nation.

With a presence in 8 out of 10 TV households, Star Sports has revolutionized live sports viewing by enhancing the fan experience through regional programming, innovative technology, and immersive storytelling.

The network’s portfolio features some of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, including ICC tournaments, BCCI matches, Cricket Australia, Cricket South Africa, TATA IPL, TATA WPL, the Indian Super League, Pro Kabaddi League, Premier League, Wimbledon, the International Hockey Federation, Badminton World Federation, ONE Championship, and T20 leagues like the Big Bash and SA20.

For advertisers, the unified Star Sports Network presents an unparalleled opportunity to engage with a diverse and passionate audience across premium sporting properties. With both SD and HD channels, Star Sports continues to strengthen its position as India’s go-to destination for live sports entertainment.