The Cricket Australia governing body has launched a tender process for its UK rights, according to the Financial Times.
The UK newspaper said CA’s tender offers companies the right to broadcast in the UK and Ireland over five seasons from 2016-17 to 2020-21. Companies have been invited to bid for one or both of the free-to-air television and pay-television media rights packages on offer.
It is believed that at least six media companies have requested tender documents from CA, including pay-television rivals Sky and BT Sport.
Sky is CA’s long-term rights-holder in the UK and is currently engaged in a four-season deal, from 2012-13 to 2015-16, worth about £50m (€70m/$76m).
CA’s new tender includes rights to the 2017-18 Ashes series between Australia and England. In total, 32 Test matches are included in the package, along with 40 one day internationals and 10 Twenty20 games. The package also includes rights to the Big Bash League, Australia’s annual domestic T20 tournament.
The Financial Times said CA’s letter to bidders said it was placing an increasing emphasis on its digital assets and would be aiming to ensure that broadcast partners co-operate and collaborate in the development of new digital platforms.