Banijay Entertainment Acquires Indian Fitness Format ‘Battleground’

Banijay Entertainment has recently acquired the global rights to the fitness-driven competition format, “Battleground,” created by Mumbai-based Rusk Media. This innovative format combines athletic competition, reality-style drama, and audience interactivity, following fitness creators as they navigate through a three-stage contest that includes a signature Fight Club segment. Contestants are divided into four teams, each guided by a mentor who can bid and trade athletes through strategic power plays. The show is fueled by round-the-clock cameras capturing the intense competition and dramatic interactions between participants.

The debut season of “Battleground” in India was a massive success, garnering over 20 million views and 2.5 billion social media impressions. This success has positioned the format as a strong contender in the global market, with its unique blend of athletic challenges and strategic gameplay.

Helen Greatorex, Head of Format Acquisitions at Banijay Entertainment, praised the format for its ability to deliver genuine spectacle through large-scale athletic battles while also creating evolving alliances, rivalries, and gameplay dynamics that keep viewers engaged. She believes that “Battleground” has the potential to resonate with audiences worldwide, tapping into the creator-driven landscape that drives viewership today.

Mayank Yadav, CEO and co-founder of Rusk Media, highlighted the show’s ability to combine competitive intensity with relatable storytelling, offering viewers a compelling viewing experience. He also emphasized the opportunity for brands to seamlessly integrate into the show and connect with audiences in a more meaningful way.

“Battleground” joins Banijay Entertainment’s impressive third-party slate, which includes popular formats like “Ninja Warrior” from Tokyo Broadcasting System, “Werewolves” from Studiocanal and Dreamspark, and “You Laugh, You Lose” from Yoshimoto. These formats have contributed to Banijay Entertainment’s significant growth, with CEO Marco Bassetti leading the company to €3.3 billion in revenues and €544 million in EBITDA as of 2025.

Rusk Media, founded in 2019, focuses on creating serialized fiction, unscripted formats, and live entertainment tailored for younger audiences. The company distributes its content across third-party streaming platforms and operates its own service, Alright TV.

The acquisition of “Battleground” by Banijay Entertainment signals a new chapter in the company’s diverse portfolio of formats, showcasing their commitment to delivering innovative and engaging content to audiences worldwide.