Willow by Cricbuzz launches in US, Canada
April 19, 2024
Willow, the cricket broadcaster in the US and Canada, has forged an alliance with Cricbuzz, the cricket website and app, to form Willow by Cricbuzz. This collaboration will create a singular home for cricket in the US and Canada, allowing consumers to watch live marquee matches alongside reporting and analysis.
Willow by Cricbuzz’ has gone live alongside the opening match of the IPL, the biggest T20 cricket tournament in the world. The launch will bring live streaming natively and seamlessly into Cricbuzz, which has recently built its video streaming platform afresh. In this combined offering, Cricbuzz will continue to be the home for ball-by-ball commentary, news, and expert pre- and post-match analysis, while now integrating seamless live streaming and in-match clips for users in the US and Canada.
Consumers of Willow can continue to watch live cricket on Willow’s digital platforms, as well as on Willow by Cricbuzz in the Cricbuzz app. New users can sign up by visiting cricbuzz/willow, or by downloading the Cricbuzz app.
In addition, to celebrate the launch, Willow by Cricbuzz will allow users to watch the IPL for free whenthey sign up for Abound, the membership club for NRIs.
TV subscribers who enjoy Willow on cable, satellite, OTT platforms, or on the Willow sites and apps, can continue to watch the channel without interruption.
Alongside the successful launch of Major League Cricket in 2023, the US will co-host its first-ever ICC T20 World Cup Championship this June, bringing the top cricket nations and players from around the world to New York, Texas, and Florida. The IPL this April, the ICC T20 World Cup in June, and the second season of Major League Cricket in July will all be available to watch on Willow by Cricbuzz, across cable, satellite, and digital devices.
Willow and Cricbuzz are owned and operated by Times Internet, the digital arm of The Times of India Group.
Todd Myers, COO of Willow, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch, commented: “The launch of Willow by Cricbuzz signifies a fusion of two powerhouse sports brands. This collaboration is more than a merger; it’s an evolution. Cricbuzz’s unique insights will complement Willow’s live coverage, making Willow by Cricbuzz an unparalleled offering for all cricket fans.”
Pankaj Chhaparwal, CEO of Cricbuzz, added: “We are equally excited to join forces with Willow in this innovative venture. ‘Willow by Cricbuzz’ represents a harmonious blend of rich cricket heritage and cutting-edge analysis, promising an immersive experience for cricket enthusiasts.”