IPL 2026 TV viewership crashes 26% as JioStar digital reach hits 515M, advertiser count falls 31%
Linear TV ratings dropped 18.8% (4.57 to 3.71) and viewership 26% (10.6M to 7.84M) for IPL 2026, while JioStar's digital arm clocked 515M reach and 32.6B watch minutes. Brand count collapsed 31% to 45 as banned fantasy apps exited; mouth fresheners now lead ad volume at 14% ahead of 2027 rights renewal.
What happened
IPL 2026 TV ratings fell 18.8% and viewership 26%, while JioStar digital reach hit 515M. Advertiser count dropped 31% as banned fantasy gaming apps exited;
Key facts
- TV ratings -18.8% (4.57 to 3.71)
- viewership -26% (10.6M to 7.84M)
- linear reach -8.3% (123.96M to 113.61M)
- JioStar digital reach 515M
- 32.6B watch minutes
- cumulative 1.06B screens +7%
- brands -31% (65 to 45)
- mouth fresheners 14% ad volume
Why this matters
With fantasy apps banned and TV economics deteriorating, there's a window to lock multi-year digital-first IPL packages or sponsor-integration deals at softer rates before 2027 rights reset reprices the property.