Sky Sports Secures Big Bash League Rights for Four More Years
Sky Sports has confirmed the extension of its partnership with the Big Bash League (BBL) for an additional four years, ensuring it remains the tournament’s primary broadcaster. This agreement will see Sky Sports air the BBL during the seasons of December 2025 and January 2026, continuing its legacy as the inaugural broadcaster of the league.
The upcoming seasons promise to showcase an exciting lineup of matches, primarily scheduled for morning slots. Viewers can expect to see prominent players in action, including Sam Billings, Jamie Overton, and Chris Jordan in the men’s competition, alongside stars such as Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, and Heather Knight in the women’s edition.
Record-Breaking Viewership and Attendance
The 2024-25 season marked a significant milestone, becoming the most-watched BBL season under Sky Sports’ current broadcasting rights. The average match attendance reached an impressive 22,076, the highest since 2017-18 and the second highest among all Australian sports leagues. This surge in viewership reflects the tournament’s growing popularity and competitive spirit.
Earlier this year, Mitchell Owen delivered a remarkable performance, scoring a blistering 39-ball century that led the Hobart Hurricanes to their first Big Bash League title. In the women’s competition, Hayley Matthews played a pivotal role in guiding the Melbourne Renegades to victory against the Brisbane Heat in the final.
Bryan Henderson MBE, Director of Cricket and NFL at Sky Sports, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We’re really excited that the Big Bash Leagues will remain a key part of our comprehensive cricket offering on Sky Sports, bringing world-class T20 action to our audiences during the winter.” He emphasized the commitment to showcasing one of the most entertaining tournaments in the global cricket calendar.
Commitment to Growth
The extension of this agreement is seen as vital for the growth of the BBL and the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Kate Ingber, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager of Legal and Business Affairs, remarked, “This latest agreement with Sky Sports helps us ensure the WBBL and BBL will continue to grow their global audience, entrenching their long-held reputation as one of the world’s premier T20 tournaments.”
As anticipation builds for the 2025/26 Big Bash League, cricket fans can look forward to experiencing live matches on Sky Sports in December and January, further solidifying the tournament’s place on the global stage.
