Hockey India signed a multi-year broadcast agreement with ESPN STAR

Hockey India on 30 July 2012 signed a multi-year broadcast agreement with ESPN STAR Sports to exclusively broadcast all international hockey test matches under Hockey India to be played in India for the next 5 years. Under the agreement the ESPN STAR Sports will also exclusively cover Hockey India League (HIL), which is expected to be launched in January 2013.

The Hockey India is coming up with a professional hockey league that will see the best of Indian and international hockey players showcase their sporting skill. The first edition of the league is expected to be played in the month of January 2013. At least six franchise hockey teams will participate in the league and will feature 33 hockey matches to be played in prime time in state-of-the-art stadia across the country. All teams will play each other on a home and away basis (30 league matches) followed by 2 semifinals and the final.