The Big Bash League will slice 20 games off its season, potentially reducing it by at least two weeks as part of changes under the massive new seven-year, $1.51 billion broadcast deal announced on Tuesday.
The new deal with the Foxtel Group (including Fox Sports on Foxtel and streaming service Kayo Sports), Seven and 7plus means the networks will broadcast Australian international men’s and women’s matches as well as the WBBL and BBL until 2031.
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Among the key changes will be a reduction in the season length for the BBL, which this year runs from December 13 to the final on February 4.
Instead of the 61 games played this season, there will only be 43, and three finals instead of five, from 2024 onwards with a later calendar start as well to align better with school holidays.
The length of the season has long been a bug bear of the players, but has also impacted the availability of Australia’s biggest international stars, who are tending to choose shorter competitions overseas to play in instead of the BBL.
“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,” Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley said as the deal was confirmed.
“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.
Other key elements of the new broadcast partnership 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.
– 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.
As part of the deal, Seven has withdrawn its legal proceedings against CA relating to issues with the quality of matches, particularly the Big Bash, during seasons affected by the pandemic.
