News UK Secures ECB Media Rights

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have announced a new commercial partnership with News UK which will enable the company to show near live video clips of England’s international matches across all digital platforms. 

Starting next month, the two year agreement will enable online subscribers to The Sun, The Times and Sunday Times to catch all the key moments from England’s games including falls of wickets, fours and sixes.

Highlights will be available via PC, smartphone or tablet for all England’s home international fixtures over the next two years including tours by Sri Lanka and India this summer and next year’s tours by Australia and New Zealand.

The deal will also encompass Sky’s coverage of televised county matches with near live clips of match action being made available to online subscribers to The Sun, The Times and Sunday Times as well.

ECB CEO David Collier said: “We are delighted to be entering into partnership with one of the UK’s biggest media companies and a major provider of high quality sporting content. Achieving increased digital exposure for the sport is a key priority for ECB and this agreement will enable England supporters to follow the team online across all three formats of the international game. “

Mike Darcey, CEO of News UK, said: “This new deal further strengthens our great sporting offer built around our world-class journalism. Thrilling football and rugby action is now joined by exciting England international cricket clashes so a subscription to one of our titles is a must for sports fans who want to keep up with the game in the digital era.”