The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced yesterday that the Disney Star had secured a four-year deal to broadcast all ICC men's and women's events.
While the ICC did not disclose the value of the current deal, it is predicted to be greater than the previous cycle and the $1.44 billion (over Rs 11,500 crore) benchmark set by the ICC for 2024 to 2027.
Disney Star owned the rights to the 2007-2015 cycle. The value of the rights for this eight-year cycle is said to be worth $2.1 billion.
"Disney Star won following a single round sealed bid process which has yielded a significant uplift to the rights fee from the previous cycle, continuing the impressive growth and reach of cricket," an ICC official release said.
The figure was for global rights, not just for the Indian market. During this cycle, ICC event rights were separated into different packages, one for TV only, one for digital only, and one for both, spread out over four and eight years, with men's and women's events treated separately.
"We are delighted to continue to partner with Disney Star as the home of ICC cricket for the next four years, which has delivered an outstanding result for our Members and will support our ambitious growth plans," ICC chairman Greg Barclay said.
"They will play a crucial role in the future of our sport and connecting and engaging with more fans than ever before.
Barclay said he was impressed by Disney Star's interest in women's cricket. Not only did Disney Star have the highest bid, but they also had detailed plans for continued expansion of the women's game.
"Having a broadcast and digital partner for women's events in India is a significant step forward in our ambition to accelerate the growth of the women's game,” Barclay added.
“Disney Star presented impressive plans for the promotion of women's cricket and they clearly share our vision, so I'm incredibly excited by the size of the opportunity ahead."
