JioHotstar Expands Globally Without Sports Content at Launch

JioHotstar, the streaming platform operated by Reliance Industries’ media business, has started its first international expansion by replacing Hotstar in the U.K., Canada, and Singapore.

The service launches with more than 160,000 hours of entertainment content, including Indian films, television shows, reality programs, and live TV channels. However, major sports content will not be available at launch, including popular cricket events such as the Indian Premier League (IPL).

JioHotstar Brings Indian Entertainment to New Markets

JioStar said existing content agreements prevented it from offering sports during the initial international rollout, but the company did not rule out adding sports content in the future.

The absence of sports marks a major difference from JioHotstar’s Indian offering, where the platform has built a large audience through cricket and other sporting events. In India, JioStar says the service has more than 500 million monthly active users and streams events including IPL, Women’s Premier League cricket, international matches, tennis tournaments, and domestic sports leagues.

Starting September 2, Hotstar will no longer operate in the U.K., Canada, and Singapore. Existing Hotstar users in those markets will be able to use their current login details on JioHotstar. At the same time, the new app will be available through mobile app stores and connected TV platforms.

Reliance and Disney Created JioHotstar Through Media Merger

Reliance’s international streaming expansion follows its 2024 merger of media assets with Disney, creating an $8.5 billion joint venture. The deal combined Hotstar and JioCinema to create JioHotstar for Indian audiences.

Before the merger, the two services represented a significant share of India’s streaming market. JioStar is now targeting international viewers, including audiences interested in Indian entertainment and the global South Asian community.

Data from India’s Ministry of External Affairs shows that the three launch countries have a potential audience of more than 4 million people through overseas Indian communities. The company is using this audience as part of its global expansion strategy.

JioHotstar Launches With Regional Content and New Pricing

JioHotstar will offer content in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, and Marathi. The platform will include popular shows such as “Bigg Boss,” Indian films, original programming, and Star network channels.

JioStar’s Head of International Business, Amit Malhotra, said the company wants to reach audiences interested in Indian stories and culture while building a broader global entertainment platform.

Subscription prices vary by market. In the U.K., plans start at £19.99 quarterly and £69.99 annually. In Canada, subscriptions begin at CA$19.99 quarterly and CA$49.99 annually, while Singapore pricing starts at SG$29.98 quarterly and SG$69.98 annually.

Unlike India, where plans start at lower prices and include sports access, international users will initially receive entertainment-only packages and may need separate services for sports coverage.