ECB And BBC Deliver Partnership
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has agreed an audio rights deal with the BBC.
The new four-year agreement extends the existing deal which runs to 2024 and ensures all England’s home Tests, one-day internationals and IT20s will continue to be heard exclusively across BBC radio channels and BBC Sounds.
The deal, which runs until 2028, will see Test Match Special (TMS) broadcast past its 70th birthday having provided ball-by-ball commentary in 1957.
TMS is currently covering the Ashes where Australia and England are battling it out for the first test in Edgbaston, Birmingham.
TMS will also cover matches across men’s county cricket and women’s domestic season.
Tony Singh, Chief Commercial Officer of the ECB, said, “For many people, TMS, BBC Radio and BBC Sounds will be constant companions through a thrilling summer of cricket. As well as being the only place to go for live audio commentary of The Ashes, it’s also the home of so much great coverage of men’s county and women’s domestic cricket and The Hundred.
“We’re delighted that we have also now agreed an extension to this winning partnership so that listeners can continue to tune in to BBC Radio and BBC Sounds for live cricket commentary for a further four years.”
Barbara Slater, Director at the BBC, added, “We know how much listeners cherish cricket on BBC radio and especially TMS with its unique combination, of expert analysis, lively, engaging and entertaining commentary. It is part of the fabric of cricket and we are delighted this new deal ensures TMS continues its great tradition of making cricket accessible to all.”
Earlier this month the ECB signed a deal with Metro Bank in order to deliver ‘transformational growth’ to women’s cricket.
