Sky Sports has announced a significant extension of its partnership with the Big Bash League (BBL), ensuring it remains the tournament’s official broadcaster for an additional four years. This renewed agreement will see Sky Sports air the BBL throughout December 2025 and January 2026, continuing its legacy as the inaugural broadcaster of this prominent cricket competition.
The upcoming seasons will feature a mix of thrilling matches, primarily scheduled for morning slots. Fans can expect to see familiar faces such as Sam Billings, Jamie Overton, and Chris Jordan in the men’s tournament, alongside Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, and Heather Knight representing the women’s edition.
The 2024-25 season achieved remarkable viewership under Sky Sports, marking it as the most-watched season since the current rights holders took over. Notably, the average attendance of 22,076 per match last summer was the highest since the 2017-18 season and ranks as the second highest across all Australian sports leagues.
In a thrilling finale earlier this year, Mitchell Owen dazzled fans with a stunning 39-ball century, leading the Hobart Hurricanes to their first BBL title. On the women’s side, West Indies all-rounder Hayley Matthews guided the Melbourne Renegades to victory over the Brisbane Heat, further enhancing the competitive spirit of the league.
Commitment to Cricket Excellence
Bryan Henderson MBE, the Director of Cricket and NFL at Sky Sports, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the extension, stating, “We’re really excited that the Big Bash Leagues will remain a key part of our comprehensive cricket offering on Sky Sports, bringing world-class T20 action to our audiences during the winter.” He emphasized that this partnership allows Sky Sports to showcase one of the most entertaining tournaments in the global cricket calendar, especially as both the men’s and women’s competitions are thriving.
Kate Ingber, Executive General Manager of Legal and Business Affairs for Cricket Australia, highlighted the significance of this agreement. She stated, “This latest agreement with Sky Sports helps us ensure the WBBL and BBL will continue to grow its global audience, entrenching its long-held reputation as one of the world’s premier T20 tournaments.”
With the next BBL season set to commence in December 2025, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to watching live matches on Sky Sports, reaffirming the broadcaster’s commitment to delivering high-quality cricket content to its viewers.