JioHotstar, the newly formed joint venture between Viacom18 and Star India, was launched on Friday following the merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. This new streaming platform, JioStar, brings nearly 3 lakh hours of entertainment and live sports coverage to its 500 million users. However, IPL fans are in for a change, as free streaming of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will no longer be available.
As per a Reuters report, JioStar will only offer a limited portion of IPL matches for free, with users being allowed to watch a few minutes before being directed to a subscription page. The subscription plans will start at Rs 149, and fans will need to pay to access the full match after the free minutes expire.
JioCinema had provided free streaming of IPL matches since acquiring the broadcasting rights for five years, beginning in 2023, for $3 billion. However, with the launch of JioStar in 2025, fans will need a subscription to watch the entire tournament.
JioCinema and Dinsey Hoststar merger
This change comes after Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance and Walt Disney merged their India media assets in an $8.5 billion deal last year. According to sources, the platform’s subscription model will kick in once users become loyal to the platform after enjoying the free content. Each user may start their subscription at different times, the sources said, though they remained anonymous due to the confidentiality of the plans.
What are JioHotstar subscription plans?
As for the subscription offerings, JioHotstar will have a basic plan starting at Rs 149 and an ad-free version available for Rs 499 for three months. The platform will host major sporting events, including ICC tournaments, IPL, WPL, and grassroots cricket leagues like the Indian Street Premier League. Beyond cricket, JioHotstar will also feature the Premier League, Wimbledon, Pro Kabaddi, and ISL.
| Plan | Price (3 Months) | Price (Annually) | Access & Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Plan | Rs 149 | Rs 499 | Access on one mobile device |
| Super Plan | Rs 299 | Rs 899 | Access on two devices across mobile, web, and living room platforms |
| Premium Plan | Rs 499 | Rs 1,499 | Ad-free viewing (except live sports/events) on up to four devices |
“What sets JioHotstar apart is its elevated streaming experience — featuring ultra-HD 4K streaming, AI-powered insights, real-time stats overlays, multi-angle viewing and range of ‘culture’ and ‘special interest’ feeds — ensuring fans enjoy deeper, more immersive access to the sports they love,” the company in an official release.
The Reliance-Disney venture controls over 100 TV channels and streaming apps in India’s competitive $28-billion media and entertainment market, challenging competitors like Netflix and Amazon Prime.