Star India’s operating loss from sports business increased by 50% at $342 million in the six months ended March 30, 2024, compared to $228M last fiscal, said the Walt Disney Company in its financial report for the second quarter.

According to the company, Star India’s affiliate revenue declined by 3% from $132 million in H1 of 2023 to $128 million in H1 of 2024.

Star India’s advertising revenue more than doubled from $106 million in H1 last year to $221 million in H1 this year.

The company attributed the growth in advertising revenue to higher impressions, partially offset by lower rates. Higher impressions were due to increases in units delivered and average viewership, both of which reflected more hours of ICC cricket programming compared to the prior-year period.

Operating loss at Star India came down by 73% from $99 million in the second quarter last fiscal to $27 million this fiscal. The company attributed it to lower programming and production costs attributable to the non-renewal of BCCI rights, partially offset by an increase in costs for Indian Premier League matches due to more matches aired in the current quarter compared to the prior-year quarter.