Discovery expands portfolio in India with new sports channel – DSport

Discovery Communications has expanded its reach and diversified its portfolio with the launch of DSport, an all new premium sports channel in India. The launch marks the first time in over 10 years that a media company has introduced a new sports channel for the Indian market. 

DSport aims to be the home of live sports action in India. The channel will have a rich catalogue covering over 4,000 hours of live content every year and will serve sports fans across the Indian Sub-continent. 

Speaking at the launch event in Mumbai today, Karan Bajaj, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, “Discovery has been entertaining Indian audiences for over two decades with a well-entrenched portfolio of unique content channels. We are excited to add yet another flagship brand to our growing offering with the launch of DSport, which is set to redefine sports entertainment. Combining India’s passion for sports with our global expertise in sports production, DSport will offer a daily dose of 10+ hours of live content for viewers across the country.” 

RC Venkateish, former MD of ESPN Star and former CEO of Dish TV India, will be working closely with DSport especially in areas related to content acquisition for the channel. 

Discovery already caters to the European market through Eurosport. The launch of DSport in India complements the wider strategy to provide fans with more live action across a plethora of sporting genres. 

DSport’s sports coverage in India will initially include:

Horse Racing: Exclusive rights to telecast daily live racing from the best of UK and Irish tracks totaling over 7,000 races/ year

Football: Brazilian League, Chinese Super League, Portuguese League, Major League Soccer (USA)

Golf: British Open (The Open Championship), US Open, PGA Championship, LPGA

Motorsports: NASCAR, FIA World Rallycross Championship

Rugby: 6 Nations Rugby

Cycling: Tour de France (a property of Eurosport) 

DSport is in advanced negotiations for selected high quality cricket events to add to the above-mentioned portfolio. At launch, DSport will be a part of the Sports Tier via a subscription model on both DTH and Cable in both HD and SD.