CCI Concerned Over Reliance-Disney Merger Impact on Cricket Broadcasts

India's antitrust body has raised concerns about the $8.5 billion merger between Reliance and Disney, citing its potential to harm competition due to control over cricket broadcast rights. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has asked the companies to justify why an investigation should not be ordered while highlighting the possible implications for advertisers and market pricing.

India's antitrust body has flagged concerns over the $8.5 billion merger between Reliance and Walt Disney, potentially risking competitive balance due to their combined power over cricket broadcast rights, according to insider sources.

In a significant setback to the merger, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has privately urged both firms to explain why a full-scale investigation should not proceed, specifically spotlighting cricket as the critical issue.

Reliance, Disney, and the CCI have yet to offer public comments. Antitrust experts previously warned that this merger could face deep scrutiny, creating India’s largest entertainment entity with extensive TV channels and streaming services offerings.