The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has extended its broadcast partnership with the BBC in a new four-year deal running from 2025 through 2028. The agreement ensures that cricket coverage remains on free-to-air television in the UK, with a major focus on women’s cricket, The Hundred, and digital-first highlights.
Four more years of cricket on the BBC—led by women’s games and The Hundred
Under the new terms, live cricket will continue on BBC TV, but with a strategic shift. The volume of live women’s matches in The Hundred will increase significantly, while selected men’s and women’s Hundred games will remain on the schedule. The focus on women’s cricket reflects a growing priority for both the ECB and the BBC.
“We’re delighted to be extending our partnership, guaranteeing another four years of live cricket on BBC TV,” said Tony Singh, ECB Chief Commercial Officer. “With our shared passion for growing women’s sport, it’s exciting that the BBC will be showing even more live women’s games in The Hundred each year.”
England internationals begin new coverage in May 2025
The deal kicks off with England Women’s white-ball series against the West Indies on May 21, 2025, followed by the England Men’s Rothesay Test against Zimbabwe on May 22. While the BBC will not carry live England men’s internationals in the new deal, it will continue to provide highlights of all England home matches, including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Digital reach is a core feature of the updated package. Highlights and short-form clips will be accessible on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and across BBC social media platforms. This strategy aims to maintain high visibility for cricket, especially among younger audiences.
BBC Sport: “Cricket is a game of stories”
“Cricket isn’t just a game of numbers, it’s a game of stories,” said Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport. “From unforgettable Ashes battles to exhilarating last-ball victories in The Hundred, this renewed partnership ensures BBC Sport will continue to bring the drama, emotion, and timeless moments of cricket to life for fans across the UK.”
Fewer live internationals, but highlight rights retained
This new agreement represents a change from the previous 2020–2024 deal, which featured some live England internationals. Under the new deal, live international men’s cricket will not air on BBC TV, but highlight rights for all England matches have been secured. This includes every home Test, ODI, and T20I for both men and women, keeping major cricket moments available to all UK viewers.
The Hundred remains central to ECB media strategy
The Hundred continues to be a cornerstone of the ECB’s domestic product. Both men’s and women’s matches will be shown live on the BBC through 2028, reinforcing the tournament’s role in attracting new fans to the game. The BBC will also continue its Test Match Special audio coverage and online highlight services.
This multi-platform approach supports the ECB’s broader ambition to grow the sport via accessible, inclusive, and digitally integrated coverage.
Gender equity and digital access at the heart of new deal
The partnership places a premium on gender equity in cricket coverage and maintaining free access to key cricket content. The BBC and ECB are doubling down on the women’s game, while adapting to a fragmented media landscape by ensuring content is available across TV, radio, online, and mobile platforms.
The four-year extension confirms a shared commitment to making cricket stories accessible, whether from Lords, Edgbaston, or Headingley, and whether they feature seasoned stars or new women’s talent shining under lights in The Hundred.
