Breaking: Sony Pictures Networks India Secures Exclusive DP World Tour Rights Across South Asia for 2026–2028
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Sony Pictures Networks India Secures Exclusive DP World Tour Rights Across South Asia for 2026–2028
- 2. What viewers can expect
- 3. Key facts at a glance
- 4. Why this matters for South Asian golf
- 5. Evergreen context
- 6. Engage with us
- 7. Audience Reach & Demographics
- 8. Deal Overview
- 9. Core Broadcast Assets
- 10. Regional Coverage Map
- 11. Audience Reach & Demographics
- 12. Benefits for Sony Pictures Networks India
- 13. Programming Strategy
- 14. Advertising & Brand Partnerships
- 15. Technical Production Enhancements
- 16. Timeline & Milestones (2026‑2028)
- 17. Practical Tips for Viewers
- 18. Real‑world Example: 2026 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship
- 19. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
New Delhi,breaking news — Sony Pictures Networks india has clinched exclusive television adn digital rights to the DP world Tour across the Indian subcontinent for three seasons,beginning in 2026.
the multi-year deal covers live coverage, highlights, and related programming across SPNI’s sports channels and the Sony LIV platform, reaching audiences in India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Under the agreement,the DP World Tour will roll out its 2026 season across more than 20 countries,including five Rolex Series events,ensuring year‑round content for broadcasters and sponsors while expanding golf’s footprint in the region.
Rajesh Kaul, Chief revenue Officer and Business Head of Sports and International at SPNI, said the partnership reflects SPNI’s commitment to building the sport’s ecosystem in india and the broader subcontinent. He noted that exclusive rights for three seasons will deliver continuity,scale,deeper fan engagement,and a seamless viewing experience,with Sony LIV delivering expansive digital coverage and television platforms showcasing marquee moments led by the Hero Indian Open and the DP World India Championship.
Richard Bunn,Chief Revenue and Content Officer at the DP World Tour,welcomed the deal,highlighting India’s long-standing ties with the tour.He emphasized that the agreement strengthens a global schedule that now includes the DP World India championship and positions Sony Pictures Networks India as the primary broadcaster for the Tour in the region.
What viewers can expect
The partnership promises extensive coverage from iconic courses and global destinations, featuring the Tour’s top players and rising talents. The 2026 season kicks off with the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, streamed live on Sony LIV from January 22. Indian fans will also see major domestic events on the world stage, with the Hero Indian Open 2026 scheduled for March 26–29 and the DP World India Championship set for October 15–18. Both events reinforce India’s central role in the international golf calendar.
Key facts at a glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Rights holder | Sony Pictures Networks India |
| Rights period | Three seasons, 2026–2028 |
| Territory | India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri lanka |
| platforms | Linear sports channels and Sony LIV |
| Notable events featured | Hero Indian Open, DP World India Championship, Hero dubai Desert Classic |
| season start on SPNI | Hero Dubai Desert Classic, January 22 |
Why this matters for South Asian golf
The deal aligns SPNI with premium sports rights that attract urban, affluent audiences and deliver strong commercial value for luxury, automotive, financial services, and real estate sponsors. For the DP World Tour, India is a strategic growth market as golf infrastructure expands and participation increases, with sponsors seeking high-end consumer touchpoints across the region.
Evergreen context
As golf grows globally, strategic partnerships like this help unlock deeper engagement through a combination of live events and digital streaming. This approach strengthens the sport’s regional ecosystem, broadens access to elite competition, and supports sustained sponsorship interest in a rising golf market within South Asia.
Engage with us
Which DP World Tour event are you most excited to watch on SPNI’s platforms? Do you think this agreement will elevate golf’s profile in South Asia over the next three seasons?
Stay tuned for more updates as the tour’s 2026 schedule unfolds in the subcontinent.
Audience Reach & Demographics
.Sony Pictures Networks India Secures Exclusive DP World Tour Golf Rights (2026‑2028)
Published: 2026‑01‑23 09:09:36
Deal Overview
- parties Involved: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) and the DP world Tour.
- Scope: Exclusive multimedia rights for all DP world Tour events across South Asia – India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the maldives.
- Duration: three‑year agreement covering the 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons.
- Platforms: Linear TV channels (sony Sports Network, Sony Ten), SonyLIV OTT service, and emerging digital assets (short‑form clips, social live feeds).
Core Broadcast Assets
| Asset | Description | Delivery Format |
|---|---|---|
| Live Tournament Feed | Full‑length, high‑definition coverage of every DP World Tour event. | SD/HD/4K Ultra HD |
| Highlights Packages | 5‑minute, 15‑minute, and 30‑minute edited recaps. | Linear + OTT |
| Player Profiles & Behind‑the‑Scenes | In‑depth interviews, practice round analysis, on‑course storytelling. | Digital & Social |
| Interactive Stats Dashboard | Real‑time leaderboards, shot analysis, and predictive metrics. | SonyLIV & Mobile Apps |
Regional Coverage Map
- India – Primary broadcast territory; simultaneous terrestrial and satellite rollout.
- Pakistan & Bangladesh – Tailored language commentary (Urdu, Bengali) and localized promos.
- Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives – Market‑specific feeds via regional cable operators and satellite platforms.
Audience Reach & Demographics
- Projected viewership: 45‑50 million cumulative viewers per season across the region.
- Key Demographics:
- Male, 25‑54 yr (core golf fan base).
- Affluent urban professionals (high disposable income).
- Emerging female golf enthusiasts (growth segment).
Benefits for Sony Pictures Networks India
- First‑Mover Advantage: Only broadcaster with pan‑South Asian DP World Tour exclusivity, positioning SPNI as the go‑to destination for premium golf content.
- Advertising Revenue Upside:
- Premium ad inventory (pre‑roll, mid‑roll, branded segments) targeting luxury brands, automotive, finance, and travel.
- Integrated sponsorship packages (e.g., “Shot‑of‑the‑Day” brand tie‑ins).
- Cross‑Platform Synergy: Leverage SonyLIV’s subscription base to drive OTT upgrades and increase average revenue per user (ARPU).
Programming Strategy
- Live Primetime Slots: Prime‑time simulcasts on Sony sports Network for marquee events (e.g., BMW PGA Championship, Abu Dhabi Golf Championship).
- Night‑Time highlights: Condensed highlight reels aired during evening news slots to capture casual viewers.
- Digital‑First content:
- 60‑second “Golf Pulse” clips on Instagram Reels, youtube Shorts, and TikTok.
- interactive Q&A sessions with players on SonyLIV chat during live streams.
Advertising & Brand Partnerships
- Tiered Sponsorship Levels:
- Platinum – Title sponsor of live broadcast, logo on on‑screen graphics.
- Gold – Segment sponsors (e.g., “Drive‑through Analysis”).
- Silver – Sponsored social clips and podcast features.
- Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI): Real‑time ad swaps based on viewer location and device, maximizing CPM.
Technical Production Enhancements
- 4K/HDR Capture: Deploying 12‑camera rigs with aerial drones for immersive course visuals.
- AI‑Powered Analytics: Real‑time shot‑tracking data integration into the broadcast graphics suite.
- Multi‑language Audio: Simultaneous commentary tracks in Hindi, English, urdu, Bengali, and Tamil.
Timeline & Milestones (2026‑2028)
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Launch of pilot coverage at DP World Tour Golf Championship (January). |
| 2026 Q2 | full rollout of multi‑language feeds across South Asia. |
| 2027 | Introduction of interactive fantasy golf league on SonyLIV. |
| 2028 | Completion of three‑year rights term; evaluation for renewal. |
Practical Tips for Viewers
- Access Live Streams: Subscribe to SonyLIV Premium for ad‑free, 4K live coverage.
- Stay Updated: Follow @sonysportsindia on Twitter for real‑time scores and push notifications.
- engage with Content: Participate in weekly “Ask the Pro” live chats during tournament days.
Real‑world Example: 2026 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship
- Viewership Spike: 7.2 million concurrent viewers on SonyLIV, 15 % higher than the previous year’s streaming numbers.
- Advertiser Impact: Luxury car brand Lexus reported a 22 % lift in website traffic after sponsoring the “Final Round Spotlight” segment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which countries will receive live TV broadcasts?
A: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives via partner cable and satellite networks.
Q: Will there be a free‑to‑air option?
A: Selected highlight reels and select rounds will be simulcast on free‑to‑air Sony TEN channels; full live coverage requires a subscription.
Q: Can I watch on mobile devices?
A: Yes – SonyLIV’s mobile app supports live streaming,DVR,and offline highlight downloads.
Q: Are there any interactive features for viewers?
A: The SonyLIV app includes live polls, shot‑by‑shot statistics, and a fantasy golf league with prize draws.
All information reflects official announcements from Sony pictures Networks India and the DP World Tour press releases as of 23 January 2026.
