A commercial dispute linked to the media and commercial rights of Legends League Cricket has moved into mediation after the Delhi High Court stepped in to oversee the disagreement between broadcaster JioStar India and the league’s promoter.
The development follows legal action initiated by the broadcaster against Absolute Legends Sports, with the company confirming in a press release that, “Jiostar India Pvt. Ltd. has initiated legal proceedings against Absolute Legends Sports Pvt. Ltd. in connection with dues arising from agreements related to the Legends League Cricket tournament.”
Court sends dispute to mediation as case proceeds
The matter has now been referred to the Delhi High Court’s mediation mechanism after both parties indicated a willingness to explore a negotiated resolution. As part of the process, the court has directed disclosures relating to the commercial activities tied to the league.
“The matter was referred to the Mediation and Conciliation Centre of the Delhi High Court where the parties appeared on March 13, 2026,” JioStar India Pvt. Ltd. said in a press release, while confirming that the proceedings are continuing through the court system.
“The case is listed before the Court again on March 17, 2026 for further proceedings,” the release added.
JioStar outlines legal claims over operational dues
At the centre of the dispute are financial claims arising from agreements associated with the 2024 edition of the tournament.
Detailing the basis of the claim, the broadcaster stated that, “The claim arises from media rights and airtime sale agreements executed between the parties in September 2024 in relation to the 2024 edition of the Legends League Cricket tournament.”
The company has also pursued proceedings under India’s insolvency framework in connection with the alleged outstanding payments.
“Jiostar has approached the National Company Law Tribunal under Section 9 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 seeking initiation of insolvency proceedings against Absolute Legends Sports for operational dues amounting to ₹3.59 crore,” the release said.
The claim relates to services and costs associated with the tournament, including arrangements connected to broadcast production and regulatory obligations linked to the event.
High Court issues interim order and seeks financial disclosures
Alongside the insolvency action, the broadcaster also moved the Delhi High Court seeking interim protection in the dispute related to media and commercial rights.
“Jiostar has secured an interim order from the Delhi High Court on March 11, 2026 in a petition filed under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 in relation to the dispute,” the company noted in the statement.
During the hearing, Absolute Legends Sports indicated that it would submit affidavits outlining all commercial dealings currently connected to the tournament. The disclosures are expected to include agreements entered into with other entities and details of receivables arising from those arrangements.
The company also undertook that funds received from commercial agreements associated with the league would be deposited with the court against admitted liabilities, while retaining the ability to meet operational costs linked to its ongoing activities.
Commercial rights deal adds complexity to the dispute
The case has unfolded against the backdrop of recent commercial developments involving the league’s rights structure.
Earlier this year, Blue God Entertainment — previously known as Indra Industries — secured long-term licensing rights linked to the Legends League Cricket property in a deal valued at INR 49 crore (approx. US$ 5 million).
The agreement, structured through a combination of share swap and cash components, gives the company rights spanning media, sponsorship, franchise development and global distribution connected to the league.
Financial allegations continue to plague Legends, including player non-payment
In addition to the allegations by Jiostar, Legends League Cricket has been plagued by chronic allegations of player non-payment.
Multiple agents have separately confirmed to cricexec that their player clients who have participated in Legends League tournaments are due anywhere from half to all of their fees, even for older tournaments from multiple years back.
With mediation now underway, the outcome of the proceedings could shape the future commercial arrangements surrounding the Legends League Cricket tournament as the court continues to supervise the case.
