TNT Sports is currently the frontrunner to secure broadcast rights for next winter’s Ashes, as Sky appears uninterested in bidding for the series.
TNT, previously known as BT Sport, has held the rights for Cricket Australia’s home internationals since the 2017-18 Ashes. It is widely expected to renew its deal for another four-year cycle.
England will aim to end their poor run in Australia, where they have lost 13 and drawn two of their last 15 Tests, as they pursue their first Ashes win since 2015. This highly anticipated series will be a crucial test for Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum’s Bazball approach.
Cricket Australia is reportedly seeking approximately £15 million annually for a four-year rights deal covering all its home internationals. Although the tender process is progressing, finalising the agreement could take some time. Sky’s limited interest aligns with its broader shift away from broadcasting overseas bilateral series.
Sky holds a lucrative £220 million annual contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board for domestic international cricket and major ICC events. Its strategy has leaned toward last-minute, short-term deals for overseas series, such as England’s Test tour of Pakistan. Sky still retains rights for Cricket South Africa’s home internationals and broadcasts prominent T20 leagues, including the Big Bash, SA20, and IPL.
TNT, on the other hand, has actively acquired overseas rights, including a long-term agreement with the Board of Control for Cricket in India. It has recently broadcast England’s white-ball tour of India and other tours such as New Zealand, West Indies, and Australia’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.
While TNT typically relies on host broadcaster commentary and studio-based pundits, Sky often sends on-site teams for series. Whether TNT will deploy its own team to Australia remains uncertain if it secures the rights.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Stay ahead of the latest cricket industry trends by subscribing to our free cricexec “daily briefing” newsletter.
