Network 18 kicks off sports division

Network 18 kicked off their sports division, Sport 18, with a slew of announcements on property acquisitions and marketing rights acquisitions including an India stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race and an exclusive partnership with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).

Speaking on the relationship with PGTI, Raghav Bahl, MD, Network18 said, “A fundamental shift is occurring in the sports space in the country, with the rise of non-cricket sporting interest. With an expanding pedigree of home grown world class golfers, greater media support and sophisticated management, golf in India can see the same heights as it has achieved internationally. This partnership with PGTI, which truly represents professional golf interests here, will be a landmark for the game in India and a significant opportunity for us as we expand into diversified services and provide greater value to our consumers”

Satish Menon, CEO, Sport18 said “This is a great win for us as we expand Sport18’s bouquet of properties, rights and services. Golf is clearly on an inflection point in the country and we believe that this partnership will pave the way for its next quantum leap. The synergies between our sports marketing know how and broadcast experience and the committed focus of PGTI on strengthening golf in India will ensure that this partnership is significant in the journey of golf in India”

In addition to PGTI and the Volvo Ocean race, Sport 18 has won the marketing  rights for the next 5 years to the Stanchart Mumbai Marathon the Delhi half Marathon and the Sunfeast 10 K (in Bangalore). Sport 18 has also won the rights to RWITC horse racing for the next 3 years both in Mumbai and Pune.

Campaign India also understands that Sport 18 is in advanced stages of discussions with two European football clubs with a view to marketing their brands in the Indian market.