BT on Monday announced it has won the rights to broadcast England’s defence of the Ashes cricket series in Australia in 2017-18, replacing bitter rival Sky.
It forms part of a five-year rights deal that will also see BT broadcast all Australian home cricket internationals, including test matches, one day internationals and international Twenty20 matches.
BT has not disclosed the value of the deal, but it is reported to be in the region of £80 million.
"BT Sport is delighted to be adding international cricket to its line-up, and to be the new home of the next Ashes tour in Australia," said Delia Bushell, managing director of BT TV and BT Sport, in a statement.
The U.K. incumbent will also cover both the men’s and women’s editions of the Big Bash League, which is Australia’s domestic Twenty20 tournament, as well as the women’s Ashes.
The new deal begins in October 2016 with Australia’s home test against South Africa.
"BT Sport put forward a highly compelling bid for the rights to broadcast cricket from Australia to audiences throughout the United Kingdom. They are uniquely placed to become one of the U.K.’s largest sports channels and we think cricket can provide the content and opportunities to help them do just that," said Ben Amarfi o, executive general manager of media, communications and marketing at Cricket Australia.
"We would like to thank Sky Sports for its commitment to Australian cricket," he continued. "We have enjoyed a great working relationship and are indebted to them for their investment in and support of the game."
However, cricket fans will have to pay more to get the most out of their favourite sport because Sky’s broadcast deal with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) does not expire until 2019.
It means that people who want to watch English and Australian cricket – including the Ashes in Australia in 2017-18, and in England in 2019 – will need to subscribe to both BT Sport and Sky Sports in order to do so.
It also means that the next broadcast contract with the ECB is likely to see a fierce bidding war break out between BT and Sky.
