Disney Star bags Australia cricket media rights, confirms Cricket Australia

Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that Disney Star have bagged the media rights for Australian cricket. The board said that it is delighted with the new association and is looking forward to working with them to showcase “outstanding” cricket played in Australia every summer. 

The CA said that Disney Star is synonymous with the game in India, adding that the “magnitude of the association is a testament to enduring the rivalry and respect that exits between Australia and India”. It added that there was significant interest in the rights and are grateful to the current right-holders Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI).

After the commencement of the deal, Star will broadcast all of Australia’s international fixtures, Men’s Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Notably, Disney Star recently bought the TV broadcast rights for the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a stiff bidding process for a whopping sum of INR 23,575 crore.

“We are delighted to announce this new association with Disney Star from season 2023-24 onwards,” the Chief Executive Officer of the CA, Nick Hockley, was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.“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 every summer.

“The magnitude of this association is testament to the enduring rivalry and respect that exists between Australian and Indian teams, the excitement and popularity of WBBL and BBL, and the high regard of Australian cricket in India and global markets more broadly.”

Meanwhile, the CA’s association with Disney Star comes at a time time when they faced issues with their home broadcaster. Channel Seven recently initiated legal proceedings against the Australian board for several breaches in its agreement.

“There was significant interest in our rights and we are very grateful to our current rights holder Sony for their partnership which will continue throughout this season,” added the CA CEO.