Foxtel, Seven in TV coup

CRICKET Australia chief executive James Sutherland insists the revolutionary shift of limited-overs internationals behind a television paywall will benefit the sport in the longterm.

CA signed off on their landmark $1.182 billion, six-year broadcast rights deal with Fox Sports and the Seven Network yesterday, ending Channel Nine’s four-decade broadcast of the home summer.

Ten Network has also lost the coveted rights to the Big Bash League, while all Tests and 43 of the 59 BBL matches will be simulcast between Fox Sports and Seven.

Fox Sports will exclusively showcase home international one-day and Twenty20 matches, along with the remaining 16 games of the BBL on a new dedicated cricket channel.

About 80 per cent of all international cricket will still be available via free-to-air, with CA still trumpeting more cricket content will be available on commercial networks than ever before.

The new deal is a coup for CA improving on the previous five-year deal with Nine and Ten worth $590 million over five years – especially after fears the recent ball-tampering saga would directly impact on the financial outcome.

“Cricket’s been through a tough couple of weeks but we know cricket is an extremely resilient sport,” Sutherland said.

“We’ve obviously got some rebuilding to do but we’ve spoken to both Fox and Seven about it and ... they are committed to us rebuilding that trust and confidence.”

CA was confident the joint deal with free-to-air and pay TV complied with Australia’s anti-siphoning rules, given Seven also shared in the deal.

“That is a change to the arrangement that has been here previously,” Sutherland said.

“But what we’re very excited about is cricket fans will have the opportunity to watch more cricket.

“What we have been all about through this process is about arriving at a landing point that allows more cricket to be telecast and broadcast.”

Under the deal, Foxtel will also broadcast the 50-over domestic competition, Sheffield Shield final and selected tour matches as part of a 24-hour cricket channel over summer.

As part of a new digital partnership with CA, there is also the chance to stream overseas tours through the cricket.com.au network.

Women’s cricket is also a winner, with all home internationals and 23 WBBL matches to be broadcast on Seven and Fox.