Sony retains SLC TV Rights
Sony, SLC’s long standing broadcast partner, reportedly paid US$ 22.5m in 2020 to acquire the rights for three years. There’s a slight drop in the price this year.
Sony was challenged by Star, the leading broadcasting giants who owns the rights to Indian cricket, but their offer has been far below the expectation. Sources said Star offered just US$ 10m to secure the deal, leaving SLC with no option but to negotiate with Sony.
Under the current agreement Sony, will continue to hold rights to all home matches of the Sri Lanka men’s team and other SLC properties. The rights are exclusive and platform-neutral, except for in Sri Lanka where SLC has retained terrestrial rights.
However, Sony will still hold exclusive cable, satellite and digital rights in Sri Lanka. Sources said FanCode and Viacom18 were also in contention initially. Sources said that SLC was expecting something around US$ 23-25 million for the four year period.
Sri Lanka are scheduled to play India in a six-match bilateral series (3 T20Is, 3 ODIs) in July 2024, and a two-Test series is scheduled at home in 2026.
Meanwhile, after Dialog Axiata pulled out of their national team sponsorship early this year, SLC has called for bids for national team sponsorship for two inbound tours this year. According to a tender notice published in their website (www.srilankacricket.lk), bids have been called for the Ireland’s and Pakistan tours of Sri Lanka this year.
Ireland team will play a Test in Sri Lanka from April 18 to 22 while Pakistanis are scheduled to travel Sri Lanka for a two-Test series between July 13 and 31.