This innovative agreement reinforces the clubs’ objective of developing its commercial capabilities internationally and most notably in India, where football is the fastest growing sport.
Following the acquisition of the exclusive 2020/2021 season SPFL rights for India, Rangers forged a wide-ranging partnership with Star Sports that includes unique access and behind-the-scenes content, live matches and the exclusive airing of a friendly between Rangers and Bengaluru FC at Ibrox in Summer 2021.
Rangers’ first broadcast game in India will be against Ross County on Sunday, October 4 before a trip to Parkhead to play in the Old Firm derby in mid-October. Alongside the Rangers fixtures, Star Sports will broadcast over 15 other SPFL Premiership fixtures.
Star Sports, headquartered in Mumbai, is owned by parent group The Walt Disney Company and reaches an audience of 800 million viewers each month with rights to the English Premier League, Indian Super League (Football), Indian Premier League (Cricket), Indian Football Team, Formula One, Wimbledon, US Open & French Open (Tennis) .
Rangers Director of Commercial & Marketing, James Bisgrove commented: "We’re thrilled to enter into this innovative partnership with Star Sports.
In September 2019, Rangers and Indian Super League giants Bengaluru FC entered into a multi-faceted strategic partnership in order to develop football and commercial opportunities for both clubs.
Over the course of the last year, key football links have been established including sharing coaching expertise, collaborating on digital content and the historical signing of , India’s top scorer and former captain of the national women’s football team as India’s first female professional player.
Bengaluru FC CEO, Mandar Tamhane, said: “From the outset we were sure about partnering with a club with whom we could create meaningful opportunities.
“We’d like to thank Star Sports, with whom we share a fantastic relationship, for their role in making this possible.
"I am certain fans in India will get access to quality content from the SPFL and Rangers specifically, and that includes updates from Bala Devi’s time in Glasgow with Rangers Women.”