TNT Sports is closing in on live UK coverage of England's white-ball tour of Australia, with Channel 5 also circling a free-to-air deal.
TNT Sports is on the verge of landing live UK broadcast rights for England's white-ball tour of Australia next month, in a deal that could also put one match on free television.
Channel 5 is reported to be in advanced talks with Cricket Australia over a highlights package covering the full eight-match tour. The terrestrial broadcaster is also said to be negotiating for live rights to one of the five T20 internationals, which would give casual fans a chance to watch England in action without a subscription.
If the agreement is completed, the split would follow a familiar model in cricket broadcasting: a pay-TV outlet carries the full schedule live, while a free-to-air partner provides a shop window for the sport through highlights and a single marquee fixture. That approach aims to balance the revenue paid-for coverage generates with the wider reach that free television delivers.
The tour features five T20 internationals alongside three other white-ball fixtures, giving England a busy run against the Australians on home soil. With the series fast approaching, broadcasters are racing to finalise the arrangements so viewers know exactly where to tune in.
Nothing has been officially confirmed yet, but the talks are described as well advanced. Fans in the UK should expect clarity on live and free-to-air coverage soon.
