Cricket Australia have announced a long-term broadcast rights deal with Foxtel and Seven, keeping the sport on the two networks until 2031.
After months of speculation and negotiations, the parties reached an agreement on Tuesday that will see mass changes to the Australian cricket schedule.
The biggest change will see the Big Bash League shortened from 61 matches to 43 matches, allowing for greater player availability and closer alignment with school holidays.
The deal is worth $1.512 billion to Aussie cricket and is the largest deal in the sport's history.
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As part of the new deal, Seven Network have now withdrawn their legal proceedings against CA relating to recent seasons impacted by COVID.
The new broadcast deal for Foxtel and Seven will include:
- Every game will be shown live on Fox Cricket through Foxtel and Kayo Sports, including men’s white ball games and 10 exclusive BBL matches
- The Foxtel Group’s exclusive BBL matches will include a Super Saturday series shown on Fox Cricket through Foxtel and Kayo Sports
- Seven will broadcast all men’s Tests and women’s international matches, 23 WBBL matches and 33 of the 43 BBL matches (including three BBL Finals)
- All Seven games will also be streamed on 7plus, allowing cricket to increase its reach
- The term of the deal includes two home five-Test men’s series against India (24-25 and 28-29) and two home five-Test men’s Ashes series (25-26 and 29-30)
- An improved women’s international program, including home multi-format series against India, England and South Africa in the first three years of the deal
CA CEO Nick Hockley believes the extension is a major boost for Australian cricket fans, players and staff.
“We are delighted to be continuing our broadcast partnership with the Foxtel Group and Seven under an improved deal," he said.
“The quality and reach of the Foxtel Group and Seven’s cricket production is first class and the outstanding service they provide cricket fans was a strong consideration in our decision to continue with this successful partnership.
“The breadth and quality of cricket to be played in Australia over the coming summers is extraordinary and we are looking forward to working with our partners to not only televise the games, but to promote and grow cricket by encouraging more kids to pick up a bat and ball.
“This is also an important commercial outcome for all of Australian Cricket and one that will ensure we can continue to deliver important community programs, support volunteers and increase participation to keep cricket strong.
“We sincerely thank all the broadcasters who participated in the process. The strong levels of interest in cricket again emphasised both the enduring value of cricket and the place it holds in the hearts of Australians.”
CA revealed there was a 'competitive process' between other rival networks prior to the deal being finalised.