While Seven West Media and Foxtel teamed up to snare the cricket rights earlier this month in a $1.2 billion deal, it appears they are competing fiercely in the commentary stakes.
Although cricket commentators technically could call matches for both broadcasters, it’s tipped that Seven and Foxtel will want to differentiate their offerings, with the two companies vying for the signature of Aussie cricket legend Shane Warne, according to Fairfax.
Warne’s manager, James Erskine, claims the pair have already had a chat with Foxtel, but are yet to hear from Seven.
Meanwhile, Fairfax’s sources are saying Warne is under consideration internally by Seven, and that the free-to-air network has been approached by potential commentary candidates.
Seven declined to comment when contacted by B&T, while Foxtel has not yet responded to our request for comment.
Erskine told Fairfax that he and Warne want to speak with Nine before making a decision, given the “King of Spin” has worked with the network for 20 years. According to reports, Warne was paid up to $7,000 per day commentating at Nine.
Nine declined to comment when contacted by B&T.
The free-to-air broadcaster also still holds the rights to next year’s Ashes series and World Cup, as well as the T20 World Cup in 2020.
