Cricket Australia, Seven in 'constructive' talks
Cricket Australia's hopes of retaining its $1.18 billion broadcast deal may have been salvaged after "constructive" discussions with Seven West Media.
CA chief Nick Hockley and Seven West Media managing director James Warburton held talks on Friday, after a tumultuous week where cricket's free-to-air partner had threatened to tear up its contract over concerns this summer's scheduling would lack "quality".
The Big Bash League is part of the TV rights dispute.Credit:Getty Images
Seven and Foxtel are CA's joint broadcast partners and underpin the sport.
“We had a constructive meeting with Cricket Australia. No decisions were made but we have agreed to keep talking," Warburton said on Friday.
Warburton had been particularly concerned that the BBL would deteriorate this summer because of a need to have an extended Australian Test squad travel around in the series against India because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Seven, which contributes $82 million annually in fees, has been largely unhappy with its deal with CA since it was signed in 2018.
Foxtel chief Patrick Delany had been due to meet with CA on Thursday but that meeting has been postponed until Tuesday. Foxtel has also expressed concerns about the quality of the BBL this summer.
The discussions came as CA confirmed the full 59-game season of the Women's Big Bash League will be hosted in Sydney, beginning on October 25.
Fixture, venues and broadcast times were not released.
Alistair Dobson, CA's Big Bash Leagues boss, the safety of players, staff, officials and the public had been a priority.
“We want to thank the NSW government for their willingness to work together to deliver the WBBL|06 competition in Sydney," Dobson said.
“Thanks must also go to our broadcasters, partners, players and staff for their outstanding support as we navigate what has been a challenging period.”
More to come