Turner International is likely to pick up a minority equity stake in the proposed sports channel by Zee Telefilms. According to sources, both companies are in talks to determine the nature of the alliance.

"The sports channel will be a stand alone channel. We are deciding on the structure of the channel. It can be a joint venture also," a senior Zee Telefilims official said adding that the company will take a call on the issue shortly. Zee Telefilims will be launching its sports channel on October 2, 2004.

According to Zee executives, the foreign partner has already shown interest in partnering with its sports venture. This alliance will come in handy for Zee as Turner will be of great help to the Indian company to build a library of global sporting events.

Besides, Zee can also take advantage of Turner's production expertise to develop a world-class sports production facility. Sources also said that in the case of a technical alliance, Turner will assist the Indian channel set up a production team comprising with experts from the American company.

Zee already has a joint venture with Turner for its television channels distribution business called Zee Turner.

"We already have a joint venture with Turner and we are open to working with them. We are exploring the ways," said the Zee executive.

Besides, Zee is also expected to move the proposal before its board to set up the sports channel and allocate funds for the telecast rights. Zee Telefilims has bagged the contract from the BCCI for about $300 million by outbidding ESPN-Star Sports.

The channel has also appointed FCB Ulka to create a name for the sports channel.