- Nine could be set to dump cricket from its agenda amid revealing announcement
- Network secured $300 million, five-year TV rights deal with Tennis Australia
- In spruiking success in bidding war, failed to mention future cricket broadcasts
Channel Nine could be set to dump cricket from its agenda after signing a record-breaking deal to secure Tennis Australia’s media rights.
Nine made a conspicuous announcement on Thursday, outlining its $300 million, five-year TV rights deal which will include the Australian Open and begin in 2020.
But in spruiking its successful negotiations with tennis’ governing body, Nine tellingly omitted any mention of its partnership with Cricket Australia, or its plans to broadcast the sport in the future.
‘The Australian Open is an incredible tournament and event which will complement our existing rights across NRL, State of Origin, Netball and The Masters, as well as providing benefits to our news, entertainment and lifestyle pillars,’ Tom Malone, Nine’s Director of Sport said in a statement.
Channel Nine could be set to dump cricket from its agenda after signing a record-breaking deal to secure Tennis Australia’s media rights
Daily Mail Australia has been told the tennis deal could have ‘huge implications’ for the future of its cricket coverage.
‘This could force the network’s hand to drop altogether. It would be huge considering Australian summer and cricket on Nine is a tradition as old as time,’ a source said.
Under the new Tennis Australia deal, Nine has acquired all audiovisual rights for broadcast, streaming, mobile, digital and social platforms.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the network for comment.
More to come.
Nine tellingly omitted any mention of its partnership with Cricket Australia, or its plans to broadcast the sport in the future
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