Disney Star secure Australian cricket broadcast deal

Disney Star has acquired the rights to broadcast all men's and women's international cricket played in Australia into India on a seven-year deal, Cricket Australia announced today. 

The deal, which commences in 2023-24, will see Disney Star televise all internationals matches as well as the KFC Big Bash League and Weber Women's Big Bash League into the world's largest cricket market.  

Disney Star will take over from Sony who have held the Australian rights since the 2017-18 season.   

“We are delighted to announce this new association with Disney Star from season 2023/24 onwards," Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said in a statement.  

“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 a 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. 

“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.” 

In June Disney Star also won the TV broadcast rights for the Indian Premier League's next five seasons, which cost them a touch over $3 billion USD.

“Cricket Australia represents some of the best content that the world of cricket has to offer, be it the standard of cricket played, the popularity of Aussie Cricketers, the rivalries and narratives or the context of playing in front of expressive crowds and in tough conditions," said Disney Star's Head of Sports, Sanjog Gupta

“Disney Star has been delighting millions of Indian fans by showcasing marquee cricket across our linear and digital platforms.

"Some of the most memorable moments for Indian fans have been produced in Australia and we look forward to elevating many more such moments with our unique brand of story-telling, programming, local activations and tech-enabled experiences in association with Cricket Australia.”