Reliance Jio has officially ended free Indian Premier League (IPL) streaming in India, marking a major shift after two years of free access. The telecom giant has introduced a new subscription model for IPL 2025, requiring users to pay for live streaming.
Jio’s New Subscription Model for IPL 2025
- Reliance Jio’s new streaming service, JioHotstar, will require a paid subscription to watch IPL matches.
- The subscription starts at Rs 299 for mobile users.
- Under this plan, users will get access to all IPL matches, exclusive cricket content, and other sports events.
Why is Jio Moving to a Paid Model?
For the past two years, JioCinema offered free IPL streaming, helping the platform gain massive popularity. However, the company is now transitioning to a paid model for several reasons:
- Expensive media rights: The Reliance-Disney joint venture spent nearly $10 billion acquiring IPL and other major cricket event rights.
- Growing demand for premium content: The move aligns with Jio’s strategy to expand its revenue from sports streaming.
- Competitive streaming market: The change positions JioHotstar as a premium sports and entertainment platform.
What Else is Included in Jio’s New Plan?
- Jio is offering a 50-day broadband trial with its new subscription plans, aiming to push home internet adoption.
- Some content will still be available for free, but users will have a limit before they need to subscribe.
- The plan gives access to over 100 TV channels and additional streaming content beyond IPL.
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IPL 2025 Schedule & Viewer Impact
- IPL 2025 will run from March 22 to May 25, making it one of the biggest cricket seasons of the year.
- Millions of Indian cricket fans who enjoyed free access in 2023 and 2024 will now need to subscribe to JioHotstar.
Industry Reactions & Future of IPL Streaming
- Experts believe this move could reshape India’s digital streaming landscape, setting a precedent for premium sports content monetization.
- Competitors like Disney+ Hotstar and SonyLIV may follow similar pricing models for other sports leagues.
Will You Pay for IPL Streaming?
With Jio ending free IPL access, fans now face a choice—subscribe to JioHotstar or look for alternative streaming options. What do you think about this decision? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
