JioStar announced this on Friday, May 08 ipl 2026 It has emerged as the largest edition in the tournament's history, cementing its unmatched scale and deepening engagement across multiple platforms and across different audience demographics. With a record-breaking start, the current season continues to set new standards, with the cumulative reach across digital and linear television exceeding 1.06 billion, an increase of 7% compared to the previous season.
The scale of viewership has been complemented by strong match-level growth, with average match reach reaching 277 million, representing an increase of 6% compared to the previous season. The sustained momentum underlines the enduring appeal of the IPL, as fans across the country watch it on multiple screens across 20+ feeds and in 12 languages.
A defining trend this season has been the rapid growth of connected TV (CTV), which is now the fastest growing platform with a 26% increase in reach and a 20% increase in consumption year-on-year. Notably, last year's total CTV reach was only matched by Game 45, underscoring the shift toward big screen digital viewing. Adding to the experience is JioStar's “Champions Feed”, featuring legends, leading voices of the game and some of the sharpest analytical minds in cricket. Ravichandran AshwinSuresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag and Irfan Pathan among others are providing fans with deep insights, untold stories and expert analysis along with the live action.
On linear television, the tournament's reach is already on par with last year and is on track to cross 500 million, cementing the IPL's position as the biggest televised event in India and proving to be the biggest driver of linear TV reach. The seamless integration of scale, reach and superior viewing formats across JioStar's platforms continues to drive deep engagement and continued audience growth.
The highlight of this season has also been the diversity and breadth of advertiser participation. On digital, 22 sponsors have partnered with JioHotstar, and 16 have come on board Star Sports Network for linear TV, featuring a compelling mix of old Indian brands and new age, technology-based platforms. A wide mix of established and emerging brands among the associate sponsors and 125 new advertisers compared to last season highlight the growing importance of the IPL as a platform that delivers both national-level and category-wide relevance.
Anup Govindan, Head of Sales, JioStar-Sports, said, “IPL 2026 is not just building on last year's momentum; it is redefining it. The scale we are seeing today is unprecedented, with over a billion screens already engaged. What stands out is not just the increase in reach, but the depth of engagement across all platforms, especially the rapid pace of connected TV.
“This season is a clear testament to how the biggest sports property in the country is becoming even bigger, delivering unmatched value for fans and partners. As the tournament progresses, we are confident of setting even higher standards and pushing the boundaries of what live sports can achieve in India.”
As the race to the playoffs heats up, IPL 2026 continues to captivate fans with exciting contests, outstanding performances and rising stars making their mark alongside some of the league's biggest icons, keeping the excitement levels at an all-time high.
The continued growth in viewership and engagement reaffirms JioStar's position as the definitive home of the games, as IPL 2026 looks set to become the biggest season in the history of the league.
*Data of 43 matches on LTV, data of 49 matches on digital
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