Channel 7 hits cricket for six
CHANNEL 7 has dramatically closed its coffers on cricket for the rest of the year in a move that has put instant pressure on the game.
The network is contracted to pay $75 million a year for the rights, yet on Tuesday paid considerably less than its first $25 million instalment before declaring Cricket Australia won’t see another cent from it this summer.
Cricket Australia had the option to flip the tables on Seven and make its own escalation in the TV rights war but on Tuesday night maintained a dignified stance of refusing to condemn its broadcast partners, even after Fox Sports also put the squeeze on its part of the $1.2 billion, six-year deal by only partially paying the $33 million it owed.
The part-payment is based on a belief by Seven and Fox that the value of the Big Bash League will be diminished this summer, with the situation now at crisis point heading into urgent negotiations this week.
Seven chief executive James Warburton called on an independent expert to assess the new value of the rights, which the network has essentially asserted is only worth about $15-20 million for the entire summer.
Cricket Australia’s position is poles apart, with interim chief executive Nick Hockley on Tuesday night reinforcing the governing body’s position that the quality of the summer will not be compromised.
“We are more confident than ever about staging a successful BBL, which is by far and away the most watched sporting league in Australia on a per-match said.
“Clubs have embarked on ambitious recruitment drives, both in Australia and around the world, which will be complemented by exciting innovations to playing conditions to be announced shortly.
Channel 7 officials are set to meet Cricket Australia bosses on Thursday. basis,”
Hockley