Mumbai, India – February 14, 2025
Cricket fans across India will no longer enjoy free streaming of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, following the merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar into a new joint streaming platform, JioHotstar. The newly launched JioStar, a hybrid digital entertainment platform, has announced a paid subscription model, effectively ending the free-to-view experience that was previously available on JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar.
This significant shift comes as Viacom18 and Star India, two of India’s biggest media giants, unite under JioStar, which boasts a content library of over 3 lakh hours and a massive user base exceeding 50 crore viewers.
JioStar’s Subscription Model: No More Free IPL Streaming
For the past few years, JioCinema had revolutionized sports streaming by offering free IPL matches, drawing millions of cricket fans to its platform. However, with the introduction of JioHotstar’s hybrid subscription model, IPL 2025 will no longer be available entirely free of cost.
Key highlights of JioStar’s new subscription structure:
✔ No complete free streaming of IPL 2025 – Viewers will now need a subscription to access live matches.
✔ New hybrid subscription model – A mix of freemium and premium plans, with restricted free content and exclusive benefits for paid subscribers.
✔ Live sports behind a paywall – Major sporting events, including IPL, ICC tournaments, and other global sports, will now be available only to premium users.
✔ Improved user experience – Enhanced 4K streaming, multi-angle viewing options, and AI-driven interactive features for premium subscribers.
Impact on Indian Cricket Viewers and the Streaming Landscape
The introduction of a paid model for IPL streaming marks a major transformation in India’s digital sports consumption habits. Cricket has long been a driver of digital streaming engagement, and free IPL streaming on JioCinema had significantly expanded the OTT sports audience.
However, the shift to a subscription-based model aligns with global trends, where major sporting events are increasingly monetized through digital platforms.
Potential impacts on users and the streaming industry:
- Millions of users will now need to subscribe to access IPL matches, affecting casual viewers who relied on free streaming.
- Competitive pricing strategies will determine whether JioStar retains its dominance over rival platforms like SonyLIV, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix Sports.
- Increased monetization opportunities for JioStar, as it leverages IPL’s massive viewership to drive higher revenue from subscriptions and ad-based content.
What to Expect from JioStar’s Subscription Plans?
Although JioStar has not yet disclosed detailed pricing, industry experts anticipate multiple tiers catering to different user segments:
| Subscription Tier | Expected Features | Expected Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium Plan | Limited access to highlights, select sports content, ads-supported content | Likely free or nominal cost |
| Basic Plan | Standard-definition streaming, limited live sports access | ₹299-₹399 per month |
| Premium Plan | 4K streaming, multi-device support, ad-free experience, full live sports access | ₹799-₹999 per month |
These pricing models will position JioStar as a premium OTT player, competing with global streaming giants while maintaining its stronghold in India’s digital entertainment sector.