JioHotstar Launched: No More Free Live Streaming Of IPL In Jio Cinema App and Website

Cricket fans in India will no longer be able to stream the Indian Premier League (IPL) for free on JioHotstar, the newly launched platform formed by the merger of Viacom18 and Star India, now known as JioStar. The platform, which combines JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, was officially launched on Friday, offering 3 lakh hours of entertainment, live sports, and a user base of over 50 crore. However, its new hybrid subscription model will restrict free access to IPL matches.

Limited Free Access to IPL Matches

According to a Reuters report, users will be allowed to watch only a few minutes of an IPL match for free before being prompted to subscribe. Once the free preview ends, they will be redirected to a subscription page, with plans starting at ₹149.

JioCinema had been streaming IPL matches for free since acquiring the five-year digital rights in 2023 for $3 billion. However, from 2025 onwards, users will have to pay to watch full matches.

The Business Strategy Behind Paid IPL Streaming

The shift to a paid model comes after Mukesh Ambani's Reliance and Walt Disney merged their India media assets in an $8.5 billion deal last year. A source told Reuters, "Once users develop an affinity for the platform and start watching for free, the subscription will eventually kick in." The timing of subscription activation may vary for different users.

JioHotstar Subscription Plans

The most affordable plan starts at ₹149 for three months or ₹499 for a year. This Mobile (ad-supported) plan allows streaming on a single mobile device.

The Super (ad-supported) plan is priced at ₹299 for three months or ₹899 for a year. It enables streaming on up to two devices simultaneously, including mobile, web, and supported living room devices.

The Premium (ad-free) plan is the most expensive, starting at ₹299 for one month (available only via a web browser). It is also available at ₹499 for three months and ₹1,499 for a year. This plan allows streaming on up to four devices and provides an ad-free experience, except for live content.

JioHotstar will continue to be the home of major sporting events, including ICC tournaments, IPL, WPL, the Premier League, and Wimbledon, along with domestic leagues like Pro Kabaddi and ISL.

JioHotstar aims to provide a next-level viewing experience with features like:

Ultra-HD 4K streaming

• AI-powered insights and real-time stats overlays
• Multi-angle viewing options
• Curated 'culture' and 'special interest' feeds

The Reliance-Disney joint venture now operates over 100 TV channels and streaming platforms in India's $28-billion media market, competing with global players like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.