Bengaluru FC set to play Rangers in summer 2021 at Ibrox stadium

The Scottish giants have signed a deal with Star Sports as rights holders for the SPFL in the Indian market.

Through their strategic partnership with Bengaluru Football Club, Rangers FC have signed a deal with leading Indian broadcaster Star Sports, to secure the position as rights holders for the SPFL in the Indian market. This innovative agreement reinforces the Gers’ 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.

‘We’re thrilled to enter into this innovative partnership with Star Sports. It represents the successful implementation of our international strategy and our thriving relationship with Bengaluru FC in India. The signing of the broadcast deal will give Rangers and the SPFL Premiership unprecedented visibility in India and with it a unique opportunity for both the club and Star Sports to develop commercially,” said James Bisgrove, Rangers Director of Commercial & Marketing.

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 Rangers Women signing of Bala Devi, India’s top scorer and former captain of the national women’s football team as India’s first female professional player.

“From the outset we were sure about partnering with a club with whom we could create meaningful opportunities. This agreement to bring the SPFL and Rangers to television screens in India through Star Sports is a big reinforcement of our joining of hands with Rangers. We also have the pre-season planned in Glasgow next year that involves a game with Rangers, and that’s something big to look forward to, said Bengaluru FC CEO, Mandar Tamhane.

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, Indian Premier League, Indian Football Team, Formula One, Wimbledon, US Open and French Open.

“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 SPL and Rangers specifically, and that includes updates from Bala Devi’s time in Glasgow with the Rangers Women” added Tamhane.

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