Sony Pictures Networks India reported a 16 percent year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit for FY26, driven by strong sports programming, higher advertising revenues and tighter control over content spending, according to a report in The Economic Times.

The performance marks a turnaround for the broadcaster after a challenging FY25, when profitability was impacted by a subdued advertising market, the ET report, posted yesterday, said.

Citing regulatory filings accessed through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), the ET report added that SPNI posted a consolidated net profit of Rs.556 crore for FY26, compared with Rs. 481 crore in the previous fiscal year.(https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/sony-pictures-networks-india-profit-climbs-16-in-fy26-as-sports-drive-growth/articleshow/132225194.cms?from=mdr)

The broadcaster’s revenue from operations grew 9 percent year-on-year to Rs.6,830 crore, while total income rose 9.4 percent to Rs.7,064 crore. The growth reflects improved monetisation across the company’s television and sports businesses, supported by stronger advertiser demand and a robust sports calendar.

A major contributor to the improved financial performance was SPNI’s sports portfolio, particularly the Asia Cup 2025.

The tournament generated significant audience interest and advertising demand, especially due to the presence of three high-profile India-Pakistan encounters, the ET report said.

SPNI’s long-term sports strategy also played a role in strengthening revenues. In 2024, the company secured media rights from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) through 2031 in a deal reportedly valued at around $170 million. The agreement gives the network access to some of the region’s most-watched international cricket tournaments over the rights cycle.

The broadcaster also improved returns on its sports investments through strategic distribution partnerships.

According to the ET report, SPNI sub-licensed digital streaming rights for India’s cricket tours to JioHotstar. The arrangement covered the India-England Test series and was later extended to the ongoing white-ball series comprising five Twenty20 Internationals and three One Day Internationals.