New Delhi, July 27 (IANS): The Indian Badminton League (IBL) said Saturday Star Sports 2 and ESPN would be its official broadcaster.

All 90 matches - 75 league, 10 semifinals and five finals -- will be shown live on Star Sports 2 and ESPN. The $1 million league which features six franchisee-based city teams kicks off from Aug 14.

Commenting on this association, ESPN Software India Pvt. Ltd. chief operating officer Vijay Rajput said, “The IBL fits in well with our overall strategy. It is a unique concept and has the potential of attracting a large fan base for badminton across the country given the presence of the best of national and international talent.”

Speaking on the occassion, Badminton Association of India (BAI) president Akhilesh Das Gupta said, “We welcome Star Sports into the IBL fraternity and I am confident that the live telecast of IBL on Star Sports 2 and ESPN will take quality badminton action to millions of homes in India and further boost the game of badminton.”