• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 6, 2025

Sony to Form Indian Media Conglomerate in Proposed Merger

  • Sony India has agreed to a deal with Zee Entertainment to take 53% of the company, forming a major media conglomerate in India.
  • Sony will invest $1.58 billion in Zee as part of the deal.
Sony/Design: Alex Brooks

With major cricket bidding rights on the horizon, Sony India and Zee Entertainment will combine into a media conglomerate in India if a proposed merger goes through — creating a formidable rival to Disney.

The proposed merger would see Sony purchase 53% of Zee with a $1.58 billion investment and control of a majority of board seats, while Zee CEO Punit Goenka would head the new company.

The new entity would likely be a competitive bidder for Indian Premier League rights, which will be up for grabs next year.

  • Sony gained rights to the enormously popular cricket league with its 2016 purchase of Ten Sports from Zee for $385 million. Ten also held rights to WWE, the UEFA Champions League, and major events in tennis and golf. 
  • Sony held the IPL rights until 2018, when Star India won them on a $2.22 billion contract that runs through 2022. 
  • Disney bought Star, including its Hotstar network, in 2019 for $71 billion.

Zee funded the short-lived Indian Cricket League, which began in 2007 — one year before the IPL’s debut — and folded in 2009.

The merger still needs to be approved by Zee’s shareholders. Zee’s stock price spiked around 30% on Wednesday.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Cody Campbell

Fox, ABC Reject Ad Accusing Power Conference Commissioners of Greed

Cody Campbell said the ads were pulled after he paid for them.
opinion

9 Hosts Who Could Succeed Molly Qerim on ‘First Take’

Qerim stepped down from the high-profile host role last week.
exclusive

Disney Could Face Choice Between Kimmel and NFL: Sources

Disney may have to choose between its NFL deal and late-night host.
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) pursues Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025.

College Football Enters Week 3 Up 21% in TV Ratings

Total college football viewership across all networks is up big.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Louisville’s Miller Moss and several of his teammates stopped by Olympus Gaming Lounge to play EA Sports College Football 26 with fans for a meet and greet. July 11, 2025

Saudis, Silver Lake, Jared Kushner Take EA Private in $55B Deal

Electronic Arts makes “Madden,” “EA Sports College Football,” and more.
Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) before game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
June 25, 2025

Rockets Get $20 Million in Wiggle Room From New VanVleet Deal

VanVleet first signed with the Rockets in 2023.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
June 24, 2025

Timberwolves’ 4-Year Ownership Saga Ends As A-Rod, Lore Take Over

The unanimous approval brought a clean end to a long-disputed transaction.
April 20, 2025

Max Verstappen Linked to $300M Aston Martin Deal Ahead of Miami GP

Aston Martin is currently seventh in the constructors championship.
March 27, 2025

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions Gets PE Boost

The Hall of Famer’s company gains another prominent backer.
March 20, 2025

High School Sports Power Signs Eight-Figure Rights Deal in First

The deal pays roughly $1 million annually, FOS has learned.