TNT Sports is close to securing live UK rights for England’s white-ball cricket tour of Australia next month, according to The Guardian. The deal could see one of the matches broadcast free-to-air (FTA) on Channel 5, marking a significant moment for cricket accessibility in the UK.
Channel 5 is also in advanced talks with Cricket Australia over a highlights package for the eight-match tour. The terrestrial broadcaster is additionally discussing securing live rights for one of the five T20 internationals, raising the prospect of more cooperation between pay-TV and free-to-air providers.
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Why This Deal Matters for Cricket Fans
The potential involvement of Channel 5 is particularly intriguing. The broadcaster has live rights for two home men’s and two women’s T20s each summer in a four-year deal that began this year, but it has never broadcast an England match from overseas.
If the deal is completed, it would be the first time an England overseas game has been broadcast FTA since Channel 4 picked up the rights for a Test series in India in 2021 during the final Covid-19 lockdown. That was a unique circumstance, so a return to FTA for an overseas tour would signal a shift in how cricket rights are packaged.
The opening T20 of the five-match series in Melbourne on 21 November is the game of greatest interest to Channel 5. The start time of 8.15am on a Saturday morning is likely to attract the biggest UK audience, making it an attractive proposition for a terrestrial broadcaster.
The Broadcasting Landscape
TNT Sports has broadcast England’s last three Ashes series in Australia, so their decision to bid for a white-ball tour comes as little surprise. The tour also attracted interest from Sky Sports and DAZN, highlighting the growing competition for cricket rights.
However, Channel 5’s involvement is an intriguing development. It raises the prospect of more cooperation between pay-TV and free-to-air broadcasters, which could benefit fans who cannot afford subscription services.
- TNT Sports is close to securing live UK rights for England’s white-ball tour of Australia.
- Channel 5 is in advanced talks for a highlights package and possibly one live T20 international.
- The opening T20 in Melbourne on 21 November is the most attractive game for FTA due to its 8.15am Saturday start.
- If completed, it would be the first FTA broadcast of an England overseas game since 2021.
- The deal would mark increased cooperation between pay-TV and terrestrial broadcasters.
What’s at Stake for Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia stands to benefit from wider exposure in the UK market. A free-to-air component could boost audience numbers and attract new fans to the sport.
The eight-match tour includes five T20 internationals and three one-day internationals. The exact split of rights between TNT Sports and Channel 5 is still being discussed, but the potential for a hybrid model is clear.
Comparison of Broadcasters
| Broadcaster | Current Role | Potential Role in This Deal |
|---|---|---|
| TNT Sports | Pay-TV, has shown recent Ashes series | Likely to secure majority of live rights |
| Channel 5 | FTA, shows home T20s | Highlights package and possibly one live T20 |
| Sky Sports | Pay-TV, major cricket broadcaster | Reported interest but likely to miss out |
| DAZN | Streaming service | Reported interest but likely to miss out |
What to Watch Next
The finer details of the deal are still being discussed, but an announcement could come soon. The tour begins in November, so time is of the essence for both broadcasters and Cricket Australia.
If Channel 5 secures live rights to one T20, it would be a test case for whether FTA coverage of overseas England matches can attract significant audiences. Success could lead to more such deals in the future.
The move also reflects broader trends in sports broadcasting, where pay-TV and free-to-air providers are finding ways to collaborate. This could be a model for other sports looking to balance revenue and reach.
FAQ
What is TNT Sports close to securing?
TNT Sports is close to securing live UK rights for England’s white-ball cricket tour of Australia next month. The deal could include a free-to-air component on Channel 5.
Which match might be broadcast free-to-air?
The opening T20 of the five-match series in Melbourne on 21 November is the game of greatest interest to Channel 5. Its 8.15am Saturday start time is likely to attract the biggest UK audience.
When was the last time an England overseas game was on free-to-air TV?
The last time was in 2021 when Channel 4 picked up the rights for a Test series in India during the final Covid-19 lockdown. If this deal completes, it would be the first since then.
Who else was interested in the rights?
Sky Sports and DAZN also showed interest in the rights, according to The Guardian. However, TNT Sports is now close to securing the deal.
The outcome of this deal could have implications beyond cricket. As TNT Sports Premier League live broadcasts now on YouTube demonstrate, the broadcaster is exploring multiple platforms to reach audiences. Similarly, the potential for free-to-air coverage echoes the move when TNT Sports Premier League live coverage became free on YouTube, showing a willingness to adapt.
In Australia, the sports landscape is also evolving, with Australian sport embracing Modi tests true inclusion, indicating a broader shift towards inclusivity. Meanwhile, in South America, the debate over baseball as a national sport in South America continues, and Venezuela’s claim is examined in baseball national sport in South America: Venezuela’s claim.
Betting integrity is another concern, as highlighted by the prediction markets betting threat to Australian sport exposed. Closer to home, the County Championship title race: Warwickshire close in on glory shows that domestic cricket remains compelling. These stories underscore the diverse issues shaping the sports world, from broadcasting to integrity and competition.
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