Business & Finance
Reliance expands JioHotstar internationally to replace Hotstar in three markets
The streaming service is launching in Canada, Singapore, and the United Kingdom with entertainment content while omitting live sports.
The short version
- JioHotstar is replacing the existing Hotstar service in the UK, Canada, and Singapore starting September 2, 2026.
- The international rollout offers over 160,000 hours of Indian films, shows, and channels in 12 languages, targeting the South Asian diaspora.
- Unlike its domestic Indian offering, the global service will launch without live sports coverage due to existing content agreements.
- The platform is not launching in the United States as part of this initial phase, though further market expansions are planned.
Key facts
- Hotstar will cease operations in the UK, Canada, and Singapore, with existing subscribers able to access JioHotstar using their current login credentials.[TechCrunch]
- The international launch catalog features over 160,000 hours of entertainment programming across 12 languages, but excludes live sports such as the Indian Premier League.[TechCrunch]
- JioHotstar is the product of an $8.5 billion joint venture established in 2024 between Reliance Industries and Disney.[TechCrunch]
- Pricing for the service is set at £69.99 annually in the UK, CA$49.99 annually in Canada, and SG$69.98 annually in Singapore.[TechCrunch]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain when or if JioStar will secure international streaming rights to add live sports to its overseas tiers.[TechCrunch]
- The timeline and specific target countries for further overseas rollouts, including any potential return to the US market, have not been announced.[TechCrunch]