ZEE5, India’s largest home-grown video streaming platform, has announced a significant expansion of its sports content with the live telecast of the ‘Calcutta Football League’ (CFL), one of the oldest and most prestigious domestic football competitions in Asia.
The partnership with the Indian Football Association in West Bengal marks a milestone in bringing the excitement of the CFL to a broader audience, UNI reported.
The Calcutta Football League, which kicked off on June 27 and will run until September 30, features 26 teams divided into two groups of 13, playing a total of 199 matches. Iconic teams such as Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal FC, Mohammedan Sporting Club, and Diamond Harbour FC are among the prominent participants, promising thrilling matches and fierce competition.
ZEE5 will offer live streaming of the matches with commentary in both Bangla and English, catering to a diverse array of audiences and ensuring that fans can support their preferred teams in their language of choice. Additionally, the platform will provide Video on Demand (VOD) content, highlighting the best goals and key moments from the matches, allowing fans to catch up on the action at their convenience.
Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer of ZEE5 India, expressed his excitement about the partnership: “We are delighted to partner with the Calcutta Football League to bring our audience an immersive football streaming experience. This collaboration not only underscores ZEE5’s commitment to delivering high-quality sports content but also celebrates the rich football culture of Bengal. It exemplifies our dedication to pushing boundaries and ensuring a comprehensive viewing experience for our viewers.”
Anirban Dutta, Secretary of the Indian Football Association, echoed these sentiments: “We are thrilled that this deal has come to fruition, as it marks the first time the Calcutta Football League will be broadcast on a major platform like ZEE5. This is a significant step forward for the league and its fans.”
The collaboration aims to captivate audiences, especially the fervent supporters of East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Mohammedan Sporting, who are known for their immense passion for the sport. By bringing the CFL to a larger platform, ZEE5 is set to enhance the visibility of the league and provide fans with an unparalleled viewing experience.