Sky Sports has announced a significant extension of its partnership with the Big Bash League (BBL), committing to broadcast the tournament for an additional four years. This agreement will ensure that Sky Sports remains the official broadcaster for the BBL through December 2025 and January 2026, continuing its role as the inaugural broadcaster since the league’s inception.
The upcoming seasons promise an exciting lineup, featuring matches predominantly scheduled for the mornings. Fans can anticipate seeing well-known players such as Sam Billings, Jamie Overton, and Chris Jordan in the men’s competition, alongside prominent female athletes including Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, and Heather Knight competing in the women’s edition.
Growing Popularity of the BBL
The most recent season, 2024-25, recorded the highest viewership under the current broadcasting rights, showcasing the growing popularity of the league. The average attendance for matches reached 22,076, marking the highest per match figure since the 2017-18 season and the second highest across all Australian sports leagues. This surge in interest was highlighted by Mitchell Owen‘s remarkable performance, where he scored a 39-ball century to lead the Hobart Hurricanes to their first BBL title earlier this year. In the women’s competition, Hayley Matthews led the Melbourne Renegades to a victory over the Brisbane Heat in the final.
Bryan Henderson MBE, the Director of Cricket and NFL at Sky Sports, expressed enthusiasm for the continued partnership, 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 the commitment to showcasing the tournament during a time when both the men’s and women’s competitions are thriving.
Impact on Global Audience
The extension of this partnership is also seen as a positive move for Cricket Australia. Kate Ingber, Executive General Manager of Legal and Business Affairs, noted that the new agreement will help expand the BBL and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) global audience, reinforcing their status as premier T20 tournaments on the world stage.
With fans eagerly awaiting the 2025/26 Big Bash League, they can look forward to watching the action live on Sky Sports across December and January, as the league continues to elevate its profile and engage cricket enthusiasts around the globe.
