Reliance, Disney seek India antitrust nod with cricket rights assurance, sources say

Reliance Industries and Walt Disney have sought antitrust clearance for their $8.5 billion India media merger by arguing their combined power, especially on cricket broadcasting, will not hit advertisers, two people with direct knowledge told Reuters.

The deal, announced in February, has been expected by experts to face intense scrutiny as it will create India’s biggest entertainment player with 120 TV channels and two streaming services. It will also own lucrative rights for cricket, India’s top sport.