Sky's The Limit For WI Cricket
West Indies cricket will take a major step into the new age of technology as part of its US$40 million deal between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and British Sky Broadcasting (BskyB)
04-May-2000
West Indies cricket will take a major step into the new age of
technology as part of its US$40 million deal between the West Indies
Cricket Board (WICB) and British Sky Broadcasting (BskyB). The deal
was signed in London yesterday.
The new deal, which was first reported in the Sunday Sun of April 30,
gives Sky sole ownership of worldwide broadcast and Internet rights
from 2004 to 2008.
Main features of the WICB/Sky agreement:
Internet - The deal includes an eight-year agreement for Sky to
develop, manage and maintain the official WICB Internet service and
develop new on-line opportunities. Sky will produce a new-look
web-site for the WICB, creating and updating editorial, enhancing the
content and developing e-commerce opportunities.
International rights - Sky will act as the official host broadcaster
for the WICB for the five seasons from 2004 to 2008, producing the
coverage of all international cricket in the West Indies. During this
period, Sky will also act as the sole agent for the overseas sales of
West Indies wicket rights.
UK Broadcast rights - The deal extends to Sky's broadcast rights to
West Indies home internationals until 2008. During this period, the
West Indies will host every Test-playing nation, including England in
2004, India in 2002 and 2006 and Australia in 2003 and 2007.
Sponsorship - Sky will manage the sales of all sponsorship and
advertising rights for West Indies cricket.