Mukesh Ambani's Reliance is ramping up efforts to boost revenue from the Indian Premier League (IPL) following its$8.5 billion media merger with Disney.

With broadcast rights costing the company and Disney nearly$10 billion in recent years, a strategy is in place to attract small businesses as advertisers. Closed-door seminars across Indian cities are promoting IPL ad packages starting at$17,000 to help offset rising costs.

A focus on digital advertising is central to Reliance's approach, as it competes with global giants such as Netflix, Google, and Meta.

The company is leveraging neuroscience research to pitch its streaming ads as more engaging than those on YouTube and Instagram. A growing digital push is expected to help monetise IPL's massive audience, with ad rates rising by up to 25% this year.

Intense competition in India's$28 billion digital ad market poses challenges, despite IPL's popularity. Reliance is banking on data-driven targeted advertising to appeal to brands, but affordability remains a concern for smaller businesses.

Analysts suggest that while advanced neuroscience studies may strengthen its marketing claims, real success will depend on tangible financial gains in the highly competitive streaming space.