Tuesday, May 12, 2026

World Series, Original MLB Content to Air Across India in New Deal

  • MLB and Star Sports India have a new multi-year content deal.
  • Reality TV contest ‘Million Dollar Arm’ will return in 2021.
World Series, Original MLB Content to Air Across India in New Deal
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

MLB is looking to grow its popularity in India with a new media rights deal. The league has struck a deal with Star Sports India to broadcast every game of the 2020 and 2021 World Series live across the country; it also includes rights to regular season games in 2021. 

Under the deal, which makes Star Sports the exclusive pay TV home of the World Series in India, the network will also air weekly original baseball content “created specifically for Indian audiences,” including three shows: “MLB Weekly,” “MLB Extra,” and “MLB’s Best.”

According to an announcement, “MLB Weekly” is intended to  “educate, inform and entertain new fans of the sport in India” and is presented by influential Indian photographer Rohan Shrestha. ”MLB Extra” will feature extended highlights from three select games from each previous week; Shrestha will introduce each game, pointing out which players to watch and how they fit into the league’s broader landscape.

“MLB’s Best” — touted as “a program for more avid MLB fans” — will offer a countdown of the week’s best plays.

“As we continue to develop the sport and work to grow MLB fandom in India, there is no better partner than Star Sports to showcase the athleticism, intensity and drama that will be on display at the World Series,” MLB Senior Vice President, Global Media Dominick Balsamo said. 

MLB has been working to grow baseball in India for years. The league opened its first Indian office in 2019 and has introduced the grassroots program “MLB First Pitch” in about 300 primary schools across New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai. Leading Indian sports management, development and marketing agency India On Track is also partnering with MLB to “expand and market” the MLB First Pitch Program. 

“Million Dollar Arm,” the reality TV contest organized by agent J.B. Bernstein where participants compete to earn a tryout with an MLB team, will also return in 2021. 

With the Star Sports agreement, the 2020 World Series will be broadcast across 220 countries and territories by 75 media partners in 15 languages, the league said.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald on the sideline against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.

Super Bowl LXI Gets the Star Treatment at Disney Upfronts

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell appears at the network’s upfront presentation.

NCAA Warns Baseball Coaches About Canceling Games to Boost Stats

A myriad of Power Four schools canceled games against lower-ranked opponents.

Braves Earnings Show Promise and Pressure of RSN Shift

The club’s revenue surged, aided in part by the earlier season start.
Apr 13, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins hat and glove in the dugout during the game against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Twins Reporter Leaves The Athletic Over Coverage Reassignment

Rather than staying at The Athletic, Aaron Gleeman is going independent.

Featured Today

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.
Matt Palumb
May 8, 2026

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit
May 7, 2026

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.
Tottenham Hotspur
May 6, 2026

Tottenham Hotspur Is Facing a Billion-Dollar Disaster

A seemingly improbable drop to England’s second tier is a tangible possibility.
Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; A NFL shield logo on an Honors trophy at the Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive

NFL Honors Expected to Move to Netflix

The NFL’s annual awards show is moving to streaming.
May 12, 2026

NFL Spotlights Legacy Networks As D.C. Streaming Criticism Mounts

Fox, NBC, and CBS each gained additional national broadcast windows.
Packers fans watch as the 49ers celebrate one of their touchdowns on a giant TV screen at Mecca Sports Bar and Grill on Jan. 19, 2020.
May 12, 2026

NFL Schedule Tweaks Continue Erosion of Sunday’s Witching Hour

More standalone windows mean less inventory for “NFL Red Zone.”
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Former Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady in attendance before Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesFeb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Former Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady in attendance before Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
May 12, 2026

How Tom Brady Won the Upfronts for Fox

Fox’s lead NFL analyst is also a corporate ambassador for the network.
May 12, 2026

ESPN Taps Chiefs-Broncos for ‘MNF’ Opener: Will Mahomes Play?

The star QB will be a major storyline in the high-profile game.
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook runs against Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46), left, and safety Brian Branch (32) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
May 11, 2026

Amazon to Open ‘TNF’ With Bills-Lions, Highmark Stadium Debut

‘TNF’ saw a 16% increase in viewership in 2025.
Nov 27, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and Dallas Cowboys guard Tyler Booker (52) celebrate with a turkey after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium.
May 11, 2026

Fox Chases NFL Record With 2026 Thanksgiving Day Game

The broadcast will likely be the most-watched game of the 2026 NFL season.