Cricket Australia have reportedly received a $1.5 billion dollar deal from Network Ten and their owners Paramount to secure the exclusive TV and digital rights to the sport for the seven years.
The current deal with Channel 7 and Fox Sports - which has come under the microscope for a number of reasons - is due to end at the conclusion of next summer.
It's understood Cricket Australia are still negotiating with both parties, although Channel 7s willingness to continue their relationship with the board is unknown given the well-documented problems they believe have occurred with the contract.
Despite that The Sydney Morning Herald are are reporting that Ten and Paramount, who recently missed out on the AFL rights, are prepared to offer up to $200 million per year over the next seven.
The currently ongoing deal with Fox Sports was worth approximately $197 million per year - $1.182 billion over a six-year period - while this deal would be a slight increase despite the lower average ratings currently being experienced.
It's unclear how Ten and Paramount would divide the games between free to air and their subscription service on Paramount Plus, however, a spokesperson confirmed to Bandt that Network Ten wants the rights back after being the original BBL broadcaster.
โNetwork 10 revolutionised the game. BBL became cemented in Australian culture as the family's favourite summer sport. Ratings increased by 400 per cent, and crowds returned to the grounds," the spokesperson told the publication.
โIn 2015, Network 10 attracted an average of 721,000 viewers per game, and live crowds averaged more than 28,000 a match.
โNetwork 10 has become a very profitable organisation and has deep financial resources with the benefit of access to the latest technology and sports broadcasting development through our sister company CBS Sports, we are a powerful and dynamic potential new partner for cricket and other sports.
โWe have the commitment to deliver a premium product with greater visibility, consistency and flexibility across all forms of cricket; the network would provide blanket domestic coverage and take the sport to a new and freshly engaged audience."
