Case Study: Securing the Future of Cricket: Seven Network's broadcast partnership with Cricket Australia
The Background
Seven Network is the highest rated television network in Australia and a subsidiary of ASX listed Seven West Media Limited. We assisted Seven with the complex negotiation of the Cricket Australia broadcast partnership for a further seven years (running from the 2024-25 season to 2030-31). Cricket Australia did not succumb to international interest and agreed to extend its relationship with its current broadcasters, the Seven Network (free to air) and Fox Sports (subscription). We continue to advise Seven on a range of issues arising under the agreement.
The details
Under this agreement, Seven, in addition to digital rights for its free BVOD platform (7plus), will broadcast all men's Tests, all women's international matches, a minimum of 23 WBBL matches, and 33 of the 43 BBL matches until 2031. Seven's BBL quota includes three BBL finals matches.
This deal is worth $1.512 billion to Australian Cricket, marking a record media rights deal for the organisation. Then-Seven West Media Managing Director and CEO James Warburton said: "Our combined broadcast and digital rights for both cricket and the AFL means Seven and 7plus will be the home of sport all year round."