Sony Sports Network

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Sony Sports Network
File:Sony Sports Network.png
CountryIndia
NetworkSony Sports Network
HeadquartersMumbai, India
Programming
Language(s)English
Hindi
Malayalam
Telugu
Tamil
Picture format1080p HDTV
(downscaled to 576i 4:3 for SDTVs)
Ownership
OwnerSony
ParentCulver Max Entertainment
Sister channels
List
History
Launched1 April 2002; 22 years ago (2002-04-01)
FounderAbdul Rahman Bukhatir
Former namesSony Sports Ten 1:
Ten Sports
(2002-2016)
Ten 1
(2016-2017)
Sony Ten 1
(2017-2022)
Sony Sports Ten 2:
Zee Sports
(2005-2010)
Ten Action
(2010-2016)
Ten 2
(2016-2017)
Sony Ten 2
(2017-2022)
Sony Sports Ten 3:
Ten Cricket
(2010-2016)
Ten 3
(2016-2017)
Sony Ten 3
(2017-2022)
Sony Sports Ten 4:
Sony Ten 4
(2021-2022)
Sony Sports Ten 5:
Sony Six
(2012-2022)

Sony Sports Network, formerly Sony Pictures Sports Network, and also known as Sony TEN, is a group of Indian pay television sports channels owned by Culver Max Entertainment (formerly Sony Pictures Networks India).

The original TEN Sports channel was first established on 1 April 2002 by Abdul Rahman Bukhatir. It was acquired by Essel Group in 2010, and was added to Essel's existing Zee Sports channel, launched in 2005. After the acquisition, Zee launched two new channels, TEN Cricket and TEN Golf, and rebranded Zee Sports as TEN Action.

In August 2016, Sony Pictures Networks India acquired all of the sports channels under Zee from Essel. In 2017, the networks were formally merged with Sony's existing Sony ESPN and Sony Six channels as Sony Pictures Sports Network, with the TEN channels rebranded as Sony TEN. The channels were then rebranded as Sony Sports Network in October 2022, with all five channels now carrying the "Sony Sports Ten " prefix.

History

In January 2001, Taj Television Ltd. was formed in Dubai with Abdul Rahman Bukhatir as a backer.[1] Bukhatir had various business interests and was known for transforming Sharjah as a major international cricket venue.[1][2][3] The company launched the channel as TEN Sports (as part of its Taj Entertainment Network) on 1 April 2002.[3][4][5] As of March 2004, the company was headed by Chris McDonald as CEO and had 100 employees.[1]

In June 2005, Zee Telefilms Limited launched Zee Sports, reportedly India's first private sports channel.[6][7] Zee Telefilms acquired a 50% stake in TEN Sports for ₹800 crore rupees (₹8,000,000,000) in 2006, and eventually acquired the remainder of its Indian operations in 2010.[8] The sale did not include its Pakistani operations, which were retained by Essel Group via the subsidiary Tower Sports.[9]

In 2010, Zee rebranded Zee Sports as Ten Action which featured adventure sports and non-cricket content. In 2011 Zee launched a new channel called Ten Cricket, exclusively for cricket matches. In March 2016, all channels in the Zee network were rebranded as Ten 1, Ten 2, and Ten 3 respectively.[10]

The former logos of the Sony Pictures Sports Network and its channels, used from 2017 to 2022.

In August 2016, Sony Pictures Networks India announced its intent to acquire Zee's sports networks for US$385 million; the first phase of the sale, which included equity stakes in the holding companies Taj Television (India) Pvt. Ltd. and part of Taj TV Limited Mauritius, was completed in February 2017 for US$350 million.[11][12] On 18 July 2017, all of Sony's sports channels in India were rebranded as Sony TEN, and high-definition feeds of Sony TEN 2 and 3 were also launched.[13] The remainder of the sale was completed in September 2017.[14][15]

The networks, along with new sisters Sony Six and Sony ESPN, were branded under the umbrella name Sony Pictures Sports Network, and began to phase in a rebranding as Sony Sports in 2020.[16] Sony ESPN was shut down on 30 March 2020.[17]

In June 2021, Sony launched Sony TEN 4, which broadcasts in the Telugu and Tamil languages. Actor Rana Daggubati served as a promotional ambassador for the network's launch.[18]

On 24 October 2022, the Sony Pictures Sports Network was rebranded as Sony Sports Network, as part of a wider rebranding of all Culver Max Entertainment channels under versions of the global Sony television branding. Its channels were likewise rebranded under the new prefix "Sony Sports Ten", and Sony Six was brought under the Ten branding for the first time as Sony Sports Ten 5.[19]

Programming

In 2019, SPN renewed its agreement with the Ultimate Fighting Championship for Sony TEN 2 and SonyLIV, through 2023.[20]

WWE programming

Sony Sports is the Indian rightsholder to WWE professional wrestling programs, under a contract dating back to 2002 and its establishment as TEN Sports, and most recently renewed in 2020 under a five-year deal. The current agreement covers its weekly programs Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, WWE Network content on SPN's streaming service SonyLIV, and includes a commitment to hold "even bigger live events" in the country.[21]

In 2017, SPN and WWE began producing a Hindi-language program WWE Sunday Dhamaal, which airs on Sony Max, and features recaps of Raw and Smackdown, as well as interviews and interactive features.[22] In January 2021, WWE produced a two-hour special event specifically for the Indian market, Superstar Spectacle, to coincide with Republic Day, which featured matches showcasing current and developmental WWE talent of Indian heritage, and was simulcast with English and Hindi commentary across Sony TEN and Sony Max.[23][24][25] WWE has considered India to be one its largest international markets; in 2019, WWE's Senior Director of Talent Development Canyon Ceman stated that that Raw and SmackDown had an average of 50 million viewers weekly on SPN.[26]

Channels

Sony Sports Ten 1

An English-language channel that broadcasts events from the World Athletics Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Sukma Games. Its programming schedule also consists on live coverage of tennis, rally, horse racing, beach volleyball events and basketball. WWE Raw and SmackDown are currently broadcast live weekly, along with NXT, Main Event, Sunday Dhamaal and all premium live events.[27]

Sony Sports Ten 2

An English-language channel that broadcasts football matches from European football leagues such as Bundesliga of Germany and MMA promotion Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in English.[28]

Sony Sports Ten 3

A Hindi-language channel that airs cricket matches from the Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England and Australia cricket boards.[29] It also broadcasts football matches.[30][31] Sony Ten 3 and Sony Ten 3 HD broadcasts UFC matches in SD and HD format respectively in Hindi language.It also broadcasts WWE with Hindi commentary.

Sony Sports Ten 4

A Telugu and Tamil-language channel launched on 1 June 2021.It broadcasts WWE in Tamil and Telugu commentary.[32][18]

Sony Sports Ten5

Main article: Sony Sports Ten 5

An English-language channel originally launched as Sony Six in April 2012, prior to the acquisition of TEN. It has historically featured international cricket.[33][34]

Former channels

Sony ESPN

Sony KIX was launched on 8 April 2015 by what is now Sony Pictures Networks India, it was the second sports television channel launched by the company after Sony Six. The channel was rebranded as Sony ESPN on 17 January 2016.[35][36]

Sony ESPN Logo

Sony and ESPN would partner together on website and app efforts, with ESPN providing and producing content such as cricket, football, tennis, basketball, badminton, field hockey, golf, rugby union, motorsport along with other events. Sony Six and Sony ESPN, which were launched before Sony's purchase of Ten, effectively became part of the group when the acquisition was completed. Sony ESPN was shut down on 31 March 2020.[16]

Sony Ten Golf

It was an HD, golf-focused channel launched on 7 October 2015. It had the broadcasting rights to the European Tour, Asian Tour, Ryder Cup, LPGA Tour, Royal Trophy, US PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship, Professional Golf Tour of India, and Ladies European Tour.[37] The channel was closed on 31 December 2018.

Programming rights

Tennis

Cricket

Football

National teams

Clubs

Mixed martial arts

Professional wrestling

  • WWE (2015-present)

Footnotes

References

  1. ^ a b c "Who owns Ten Sports?". Rediff.com. 16 March 2004. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
  2. ^ Borkakoty, Rituraj (3 November 2021). "Meet the Kerry Packer of the Arabian Gulf". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
  3. ^ a b Chakraborty, Alokananda (26 March 2002). "TEN Sports to hit airwaves on April 1". afaqs!. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
  4. ^ "Ten Sports launching 1 April". Indiantelevision.com. 25 March 2002. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
  5. ^ "Bukhatir's Ten Sports To Go On Air From April 1". The Financial Express. 26 March 2002. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  6. ^ "Zee launches India's first private sports channel 'Zee Sports'". Exchange4media. 9 June 2005. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
  7. ^ "Zee launches its sports channel". ESPNcricinfo. 10 June 2005. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
  8. ^ Malvania, Urvi (1 September 2016). "ZEE sells Ten Sports to Sony for $385 mn". Business Standard. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
  9. ^ Correspondent, Our (23 July 2020). "Indian monopoly over Pakistan Cricket broadcast rights". ScoreLine. Retrieved 13 September 2021.
  10. ^ "Zee Group follows Star in rebranding Ten Sports channels". The Economic Times. 29 March 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  11. ^ Menon, Bindu. "Sony Pictures acquires Ten Sports for $385 m". @businessline. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  12. ^ "Zee completes 1st phase of sale of TEN sports to Sony Pictures". The Financial Express. 28 February 2017. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  13. ^ "Sony rebrands sports business; launches 2 new HD channels". The Economic Times. Retrieved 3 July 2021.
  14. ^ PTI. "Zee Entertainment completes sale of TEN Sports to Sony". @businessline. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  15. ^ "ZEE Entertainment Completes Sale Of TEN Sports To Sony". Moneycontrol. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  16. ^ a b "Sony Pictures Network India to shut down Sony MIX, Sony ESPN SD and HD from 30th March". DreamDTH. 14 March 2020.
  17. ^ Arasu, Basil Kannagi. "Sony Pictures Network India to shut down Sony MIX, Sony ESPN SD and HD from 30th March". dreamdth.com. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  18. ^ a b Karhadkar, Amol (1 June 2021). "Sony launches new sports channel in Tamil and Telugu". sportstar.thehindu.com. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  19. ^ Bhadra, Soham. "Sony Pictures Network channels get rebranded with new logos and graphics". dreamdth.com. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  20. ^ "Sony Pictures Networks India extends UFC rights". SportBusiness Media. 6 August 2019. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  21. ^ Szalai, Georg; Szalai, Georg (31 March 2020). "WWE, Sony Pictures Networks India Sign Expanded Five-Year Deal". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  22. ^ "Sony MAX to air exclusive new weekly Hindi show, WWE Sunday Dhamaal". Exchange4media. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  23. ^ Johnson, Mike (12 January 2020). "WWE Superstar Spectacle updates". PWInsider. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  24. ^ Defelice, Robert (11 January 2021). "Report: Top Raw And SmackDown Superstars May Be Involved In WWE Superstar Spectacle Taping". Fightful. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  25. ^ Thompson, Andrew (13 January 2021). "Jinder Mahal, Kavita Devi & more confirmed for WWE Superstar Spectacle". POST Wrestling. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
  26. ^ Dasgupta, Riju. "Exclusive: Canyon Ceman discusses WWE scouting Indian talent, the possibility of NXT India & more". www.sportskeeda.com. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  27. ^ "Sony Ten 1 TV Programmes, Popular Shows". The Times of India trwtu. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
  28. ^ "UFC 264 , Dustin Poriee vs Conor McGregor". The Indian Express.
  29. ^ "West Indies Cricket Board production and International broadcast rights from 2012-2019 contract". www.espncricinfo.com.
  30. ^ Shah, Kartik (23 March 2017). "Ten 3 Broadcast Emirates T20 Live Telecast in India, UAE, Pakistan country". Sports24Hour.com. Retrieved 3 December 2017..
  31. ^ "Sony Ten 3 TV Programmes, Popular Shows". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
  32. ^ Saini, Sonam (21 May 2021). "SPNI to launch two new sports channels TEN 4 & TEN 4 Hd.It also broadcasts WWE in Tamil and Telugu commentry". Exchange4media.
  33. ^ "Sony Six could be launching on a bouncy wicket". The Hindu Business Line. 26 March 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  34. ^ "IPL 5: Multi Screen Media plans to air matches on SIX next year". The Economic Times. 8 April 2012. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
  35. ^ "Launch date set for Sony ESPN channels in Indian subcontinent". sports business. 11 January 2016.
  36. ^ Choudhary, Vidhi (7 October 2015). "ESPN returns to India in tie-up with Sony". mint.
  37. ^ "Sony Ten 1 HD TV Programmes, Popular Shows". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
  38. ^ Arasu, Basil Kannagi. "Sony Sports to broadcast Australian Open 2021 from February 8". dreamdth.com. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  39. ^ "Sony Pictures acquires media rights for cricket matches in England". LiveMint. 5 March 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  40. ^ "Copa America deal expands Sony Pictures Networks India's soccer portfolio - SportsPro Media". www.sportspromedia.com. 21 April 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.


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