Times Internet acquires Willow TV in USA

Times Of India Group’s digital arm, Times Internet has acquired US cricket broadcaster, Willow TV International.

As a part of this deal, Willow TV International will give US viewers access to this year’s ICC World Twenty20 from 8th March. Willow TV International is the sole channel dedicated to cricket. It is one of the fastest-growing sports networks in America.

Times Internet director Satyan Gajwani said, ���We are extremely pleased to welcome Willow to The Times Group. Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world, and has the potential to become a major sport in the US. We are excited to expand and strengthen our offerings for South Asians living in the US and to grow interest in cricket across the US, both with loyal fans and new consumers�۝.

Willow TV founder and CEO Vijay Srinivasan said, ���As a bootstrapped company, we launched the Willow cricket channel just over five years ago, and we�۪re extremely proud of where it has reached. With the backing of The Times of India Group and its assets, I�۪m confident that we can jointly build one of the premier sports businesses in the US.�۝

The channel and its associated TV Everywhere service is widely distributed by the largest satellite, cable, IPTV and OTT platforms in a variety of subscription packages, including sports packs and South Asian-targeted packages. The channel is available on seven of the top 10 pay television platforms in the US, with more new launches in the pipeline.