ICC rights go to ESPN-Star(Eight-year deal includes two World Cups)

ICC rights go to ESPN-Star

Cricinfo staff

December 9, 2006

The ICC's television rights for 2007-2015 have been sold to ESPN-Star, a joint venture between ESPN and the Rupert Murdoch-owned Star network, reportedly for a staggering "$1.1 billion", double the previous amount for the same period of time. While the ICC would not disclose the amount involved, independent sources present at the meeting in Dubai confirmed that figure to Cricinfo. The issue was decided at a meeting of the ICC Board in Dubai today and the decision was confirmed by an ICC release.

Included in the eight-year period under discussion are 18 ICC tournaments with two ICC Cricket World Cups, in Asia (2011) and Australasia (2015), and a minimum of three ICC Champions Trophy tournaments. Also included are the first two ICC Twenty20 World Championships, in South Africa (2007) and England (2009), the latter taking place in the ICC's centenary year.

The telecast rights to the Indian board's matches were awarded earlier this year to privately-owned Nimbus for $612 million for four years. The bidding process took a curious turn when the BCCI threw its hat into the ring, before pulling out at the ICC meeting in Mumbai last month. Sony Entertainment Television (SET), the surprise winner of the ICC rights for the four years to 2007 for a reported $250 million, were not among the bidders this time around.

"We are absolutely delighted that, after an open and transparent process, we have what we believe to be the best deal for cricket," Percy Sonn, the ICC president, said immediately after decision was announced. "All the bids we received were of a very high standard and we would liketo thank the unsuccessful organizations for their submissions.

"However, the Board was unanimous in the view that the ESPN STAR Sports bid was the best, and we believe all of our 97 Members will gain significant benefit from an agreement with ESPN STAR Sports.

"The revenue that will come into the game as a result of this deal will ensure every one of those Members will be able to plan for the future with certainty, allowing us to make our strong sport even stronger."

Jamie Davis, the managing director of ESPN-Star, was understandably elated at having secured the bid. "This acquisition affirms our commitment to the Indian sub-continent and the world and we are absolutely delighted to bring the exciting line-up of ICC Events to millions of cricket fans globally," he said. "Our company has done pioneering work in showcasing cricket in an entertaining and informative way and we will continue to innovate and extend the excitement of cricket through to 2015."

© Cricinfo

http://content-pak.cricinfo.com/ci/...ory/271994.html

Good stuff.

I never quite understand these rights issues anymore.

I am assuming it would then be upto the likes of Sky Sports / ARY / TenSPorts etc etc to buy of ESPN?

What does ESPN stand for?

does that mean we'll get to watch free cricket in USA ? no more pay-per-view ?

It doesn't actually stand for anything, as it's an official name, not an acronym. It was derived from Entertainment and Sports Programming Network.

ESPN is owned by ABC in the US, and Star Sports is owned by News Corp, which also owns Sky. Not sure about ARY or Ten, but I'd say Channel 9 in OZ would then license it off ESPNSTAR, and the same would go for other non-affiliates that want to show it.

What's the significance of this?

Nothing, unless you live in the subcontinent. I suspect the usual channels will still be able to license the rights overseas.

What are they going to do with the money?

I propose that all non test status minnow sides (ie Nepal, Canada, India..etc) should have about 15 player's salaries paid by the ICC. This would make cricket a good career to pursue and we may see some talent shining through which will be a good investment for the future.

Another thing would be to setup annual international trophies between domestic teams like the Footballs UEFA...etc

What does dis mean for people living in the UK??? Will match still be on Sky?