Australian cricket bosses said on Sunday they had agreed to sell broadcasting rights in India to Disney Star in a seven-year deal reportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Walt Disney-owned media group is believed to have spent more than A$300 million (US$208 million) on the rights, with some Australian media citing an even higher amount for the total value of the deal.
The agreement, which comes into effect from the 2023/24 season, covers the men’s and women’s internationals played in Australia, as well as the Big Bash League and the women’s Big Bash League.
“Disney Star is synonymous with the game in India and we look forward to working with them to showcase the outstanding cricket played in Australia each summer,” said Nick Hockley, CEO of Cricket Australia (CA), in an explanation
CA did not disclose financial details of the transaction.
“The magnitude of this association is a testament to the enduring rivalry and respect that exists between Australian and Indian teams, the excitement and popularity of the WBBL and BBL, and the high standing of Australian cricket in India and in the global markets more generally .”
Disney Star will have the rights to broadcast Australian cricket “across India and other areas across Asia,” the statement said.
Hockley said there has been “substantial interest” in the rights, which Sony currently holds in a deal that runs through the end of this season.
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