JioStar has strengthened its cricket broadcasting portfolio by acquiring the exclusive linear television and digital streaming rights for The Hundred cricket 2026 in India. The rights have been acquired from Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), allowing JioStar to exclusively broadcast every match of both the men’s and women’s competitions on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar.
The acquisition further expands JioStar’s portfolio of premium cricket properties as competition among broadcasters and streaming platforms intensifies. It also reinforces the company’s strategy of consolidating major international cricket tournaments under its television and digital platforms to attract viewers and advertisers.
JioStar secures exclusive India rights
Under the agreement, JioStar will broadcast all 68 matches of The Hundred 2026, covering both the men’s and women’s tournaments.
Rights overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Broadcaster | JioStar |
| Tournament | The Hundred 2026 |
| Rights | Exclusive linear TV and digital streaming |
| Previous rights holder | Sony Pictures Networks India |
| Television platform | Star Sports Network |
| Streaming platform | JioHotstar |
| Matches | 68 (men’s and women’s competitions) |
The tournament begins on July 21 and runs until August 16, featuring eight city-based franchises competing in the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) 100-ball format.
What is The Hundred?
Launched by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2021, The Hundred is a fast-paced cricket competition where each innings consists of 100 balls instead of the traditional 120-ball T20 format.
Key features include:
- 100-ball innings.
- Eight men’s and eight women’s franchise teams.
- Simultaneous men’s and women’s competitions.
- Shorter match duration designed to attract new audiences.
- Participation from leading international cricketers.
The tournament has grown into one of the world’s most popular franchise cricket leagues, attracting players from England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, the West Indies, Pakistan, and India where permitted.
Tournament snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organiser | England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) |
| Format | 100-ball cricket |
| Teams | 8 men’s and 8 women’s |
| Duration | July 21 – August 16 |
| Total matches | 68 |
A strategic win for JioStar
The acquisition adds another premium cricket property to JioStar’s growing sports portfolio. The broadcaster already holds rights to several major cricket events and leagues. Adding The Hundred enables JioStar to:
- Strengthen year-round cricket programming.
- Expand premium live sports offerings on JioHotstar.
- Increase advertising opportunities.
- Attract cricket fans during the English summer.
- Enhance subscriber engagement across television and digital platforms.
The deal also reflects the increasing value of franchise cricket beyond traditional bilateral international matches. Indian franchise economics show the same trend, with RCB revenue rising 8% to ₹545 crore in FY26.
Benefits for JioStar
| Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Content portfolio | More premium cricket |
| Streaming | Stronger JioHotstar offering |
| Television | Expanded Star Sports schedule |
| Advertising | Additional premium inventory |
| Viewer engagement | Year-round cricket coverage |
Indian interest remains high
The Hundred continues to generate significant interest among Indian audiences due to the participation of internationally recognised players and several Indian women’s cricketers competing in the women’s competition.
The tournament’s shorter format, combined with prime-time broadcasts and digital streaming, has helped build a dedicated fan base in India over recent seasons. The distribution base is large as well: connected TV reach in India has hit 160 million viewers, while Jio has crossed 530 million mobile users, giving JioHotstar a wide runway for live-sport streaming.
Looking ahead
JioStar’s acquisition of the exclusive India rights for The Hundred 2026 further cements its position as one of the country’s leading sports broadcasters. By bringing all 68 men’s and women’s matches to Star Sports Network and JioHotstar, the company continues to expand its portfolio of premium cricket properties at a time when live sports remain a key driver of television ratings, digital engagement, and subscription growth.
As franchise cricket continues to grow globally, securing rights to tournaments like The Hundred enables broadcasters to offer year-round cricket content beyond international fixtures and domestic leagues. For Indian viewers, the deal ensures comprehensive access to one of the sport’s most innovative formats, while reinforcing JioStar’s strategy of strengthening its leadership in cricket broadcasting across both television and digital platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch The Hundred cricket live in India?
All 68 matches of The Hundred 2026 will be shown in India on the Star Sports Network on television and streamed on JioHotstar, after JioStar acquired exclusive rights from Sony Pictures Networks India.
What is The Hundred cricket format?
The Hundred is an ECB competition in which each innings lasts 100 balls, rather than the 120 balls of a T20 innings. Eight men’s and eight women’s city-based franchises play alongside each other.
When does The Hundred 2026 start and end?
The 2026 edition runs from July 21 to August 16, covering 68 matches across the men’s and women’s competitions.
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