Zee ends Serie A blackout with five-year subcontinent deal

Zee Entertainment Enterprises has acquired exclusive broadcast and digital rights to Serie A, the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana across India and six neighbouring markets from the 2026-27 season.The five-year agreement covers Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan and the Maldives, with coverage beginning on August 22 through Zee5 and the company’s Unite8 Sports television channels.Bavesh Janavlekar, chief business officer of Unite8 Sports, said: “At Z, our commitment is to build a robust football ecosystem that brings Indian fans closer to the sport through premium content and a quality viewing experience.“The addition of key global properties like Serie A, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana to our portfolio is a firm reflection of the scale and passion of football across the country.”The agreement ends a period in which Serie A had no confirmed broadcast partner in India, restoring regular access to clubs including Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus across linear and digital platforms.Zee will carry live matches, highlights and additional programming, giving the broadcaster year-round football inventory that can be packaged across subscriptions, advertising and sponsorship.Janavlekar said: “As one of the most respected leagues in football, Serie A brings together iconic clubs and talent that have captivated generations of fans.“We are thrilled to present all the action and intensity of the league on Zee5 and Unite8 channels, offering consumers a truly differentiated destination for global football.”The acquisition follows Zee’s five-year Bundesliga agreement and its broader deal for 39 FIFA competitions until 2034, including the men’s World Cups in 2026 and 2030 and the 2027 Women’s World Cup.That expanding portfolio gives Zee a stronger position in India’s competitive sports media market, where major football properties can support subscriber acquisition while creating premium inventory for advertisers outside cricket.Janavlekar said: “Together with FIFA and Bundesliga, it further strengthens our ability to offer consumers compelling football content, while creating new opportunities to deepen the engagement beyond the live match.”The deal also gives Serie A a stable distribution partner with national television reach and a major streaming platform as the league seeks to rebuild audience and commercial value across the Indian subcontinent.