The Delhi High Court has referred the commercial dispute between JioStar India Private Limited and Absolute Legends Sports Private Limited, concerning media and commercial rights for the Legends League Cricket Masters T20 tournament, to arbitration. The Court has also directed that key tournament revenues remain protected pending adjudication.
The dispute arises out of agreements executed in September 2024 relating to media rights and airtime sales for the tournament. In its petition before the Court, JioStar sought protection of its contractual and commercial rights in the league, raising concerns regarding the transfer, assignment, and exploitation of media and broadcast rights.
Taking note of the parties’ consent to arbitration, the Court appointed a Sole Arbitrator to adjudicate the disputes and directed that arbitral proceedings commence without delay. Significantly, the Court recorded undertakings on behalf of the respondents that amounts collected towards franchise fees and ticket revenues would not be alienated, transferred, encumbered, or otherwise dealt with pending further directions from the Arbitrator.
The Court further directed that revenues already received from franchise fees and ticket collections shall remain protected and subject to the outcome of the arbitral proceedings.
While referring the matter to arbitration, the Court clarified that all rights and contentions of the parties remain open, and that the observations in the order should not be construed as findings on the merits of the dispute.
