Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) has officially launched its linear sports broadcasting portfolio under the Unite8 Sports brand, following the requisite approvals from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. The launch marks a significant milestone in the company’s sports strategy, with four channels—Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD—going live across more than 500 cable and distribution platforms nationwide.
The channels are now available through major DTH and cable operators including Dish TV, Tata Play, Airtel, Sun Direct, Siti Networks, Indian Cable Net Company Ltd., Hinduja Global, Fastway, Andhra Pradesh State FiberNet Ltd., Kerala Communicators Cable Ltd., Thamizhaga Cable TV Communications, V K Digital, UCN Cable Network, Take One, Sri Sai Cable, Kal Cable, Digiana, Bhimavaram, and Axom, among others.
With a programming lineup spanning football, cricket, kabaddi, badminton, wrestling, boxing, combat sports, and other disciplines, Unite8 Sports aims to create a unified destination for sports enthusiasts across the country. The move reflects ZEEL’s broader ambition to strengthen its presence in the sports entertainment ecosystem and cater to the evolving viewing preferences of Indian audiences.
The network is also gearing up for the exclusive broadcast of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled to commence on June 11, 2026, positioning the platform as a key destination for global sporting action.
Speaking on the new sports channels, Bavesh Janavlekar, Chief Business Officer – Unite8 Sports, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., said, “With Unite8 Sports, we have built a curated, multi-sport offering that reflects the evolving preferences of Indian audiences, and creates a scalable platform that can match the increasing demand for high-quality, accessible live sports action across the country. Our focus is on ensuring seamless access for viewers, supported by strong partnerships across the distribution ecosystem. We are geared up to present the upcoming FIFA events across our channels, and we remain well-positioned to deliver a compelling viewing experience to fans across the Nation.”
Centered around the idea of bringing people together through sport, Unite8 Sports seeks to foster deeper fan engagement while contributing to the growth of India’s sports broadcasting landscape. By combining diverse sports content with extensive distribution reach, the network aims to offer viewers an immersive and accessible sports-viewing experience across the country.
The launch further reinforces Zee Entertainment’s commitment to expanding its content portfolio and capitalizing on the growing appetite for live sports among Indian audiences. As the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins, Unite8 Sports is poised to become a major platform for fans seeking comprehensive and high-quality sports coverage.
