Zee launches Unite8 Sports, bids for 2026 World Cup rights

Zee Entertainment Enterprises has launched a new portfolio of sports channels and is in discussions to secure broadcast rights for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, marking a significant expansion of its sports broadcasting business in India. The company unveiled Unite8 Sports, a four-channel linear sports offering, and confirmed it is negotiating with FIFA for the rights to the 2026 tournament, which begins on June 11.

The new Unite8 Sports portfolio consists of two language propositions: Unite8 Sports 1 and its high-definition feed in Hindi, and Unite8 Sports 2 and its HD feed in English. The channels are intended to broadcast a range of sports including football, cricket, kabaddi, badminton, wrestling, boxing, and combat sports. The company has submitted regulatory applications for the launch of these channels.

This move represents Zee's return to dedicated sports broadcasting after previously airing sporting events on its general entertainment channels. The launch is part of a broader strategy to diversify its content portfolio and build scalable businesses. Bavesh Janavlekar, who currently manages Zee's Marathi movies cluster, will assume the additional role of Chief Business...