Asian pay-television broadcaster Star Sports has agreed a deal to continue as title sponsor for the 2015 edition of India’s Pro Kabaddi League.
Citing sources close to the deal, the Indian Economic Times newspaper reported that the new agreement is worth about $3.1m (€2.8m).
Star Sports has committed to an overall additional investment of $11m to help to expand the competition, which made its debut in 2014, with the broadcaster’s parent company, Indian media and entertainment company Star India, holding a majority stake in the League.
The deal comes after an unnamed mobile handset manufacturer also submitted an offer to acquire the title sponsorship rights. However, the bid is understood to have been below Star’s valuation.
An unnamed automobile brand was also said to have been interested in taking the title sponsorship, but was not able to submit a bid in time.
Sanjay Gupta, chief operating officer of Star India, said: “We have seen a lot of interest across sectors like auto, telecom and ecommerce, but we have decided to nurture the sport by retaining the title sponsorship with Star Sports. This year, we are investing to significantly scale up the game and viewership which will help raise its value for future seasons and further grow the sport.”