Channel 5 Cricket Rights: Latest News
- Channel 5 has acquired the rights to broadcast England T20 cricket matches, ensuring free-to-air access for fans.
- This agreement ensures that T20 internationals remain accessible on free-to-air television,complementing Sky sports' continued coverage.
- The first match under this new arrangement features England's women's team against the West Indies in Chelmsford.
Channel 5 Expands Cricket Coverage with England T20 Rights
Channel 5 has acquired the rights to broadcast England T20 cricket matches, ensuring free-to-air access for fans. The agreement with the England and Wales cricket Board (ECB) covers four home T20 internationals each year for the next four years, including two men’s and two women’s games.
This agreement ensures that T20 internationals remain accessible on free-to-air television,complementing Sky sports’ continued coverage. Previously, the BBC held these rights.Channel 5 will also provide coverage on its digital platform, My5, and stream highlights of the T20 Blast competition, expanding access to cricket content.
The first match under this new arrangement features England’s women’s team against the West Indies in Chelmsford. Other key fixtures include England men’s T20 against the West Indies on June 8, England women versus India on June 28, and England men against South Africa on September 14.
The ECB is maintaining its multi-platform strategy by renewing its partnership with the BBC. The BBC retains highlights rights for all red and white-ball internationals across TV, iPlayer, and online platforms. The deal also includes in-play clips and live coverage of The Hundred, while Test Match Special will continue as the primary radio broadcaster for home internationals untill at least 2028.
What’s next
cricket fans can look forward to expanded free-to-air coverage of England’s T20 matches on Channel 5 and its digital platforms, alongside continued comprehensive coverage on Sky Sports and the BBC.