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TNT Sports is nearing an agreement to secure the live UK broadcasting rights for the England men’s white-ball tour of Australia next month. The anticipated deal could also feature one of the matches broadcast free-to-air on terrestrial television.
Channel 5 in Talks for Highlights and Free-to-Air Match
As reported by Sport | The Guardian, Channel 5 is in advanced discussions with Cricket Australia regarding a highlights package for the eight-match series. The terrestrial broadcaster is also negotiating to acquire live rights for one of the five scheduled T20 internationals.
While negotiations continue over specific terms, the opening T20 match in Melbourne on 21 November is the primary focus for Channel 5. Scheduled for an 8.15am start on a Saturday morning, the fixture is expected to draw a substantial UK audience.
Finalizing the agreement would mark the first time an overseas England cricket match has aired on free-to-air television since Channel 4 broadcast a Test series from India in 2021.
Broadcasting Landscape and Corporate Ties
TNT Sports previously covered England’s last three Ashes tours in Australia, making their pursuit of the white-ball tour an expected move. The broadcasting package also drew interest from Sky Sports and Dazn.
The involvement of Channel 5 highlights a potential collaboration between the two networks, as both entities are owned by US media giant Paramount Skydance. Channel 5 previously secured a highlights agreement for the Commonwealth Games in the UK last summer while TNT Sports held exclusive live coverage rights.
Upcoming Tour Schedule and Market Trends
Brendon McCullum’s white-ball squad will travel to Australia early next month after returning home from an ongoing ODI tri-series in Pakistan. The England and Wales Cricket Board arranged a 50-over warm-up match at the WACA on 7 November, preceding a three-match series starting at the Perth Stadium on 13 November and the subsequent T20 fixtures.
The financial value of overseas cricket broadcasting rights has declined in recent seasons, leading to late agreements for the majority of England’s winter tours. Sky Sports recently secured the rights for England’s Christmas Test series in South Africa and is currently broadcasting the Pakistan tri-series, though the network has shifted away from long-term contracts with international boards.
TNT Sports chose not to comment on the matter, while Cricket Australia expresses confidence that the agreement will be finalized.
