Channel Seven launch legal proceedings against Cricket Australia to end TV deal

The network's current deal, worth $450million, is due to expire in 2024

Channel Seven have launched legal proceedings against Cricket Australia in the Federal Court in an attempt to end a $450million (£255million) TV deal.

The network, whose current deal is due to expire in 2024, broadcast Test cricket and the Big Bash, but are understood to be unimpressed with the quality of the latter, in particular its declining viewership.

In a statement, Channel Seven said: "Seven West Media Limited through its subsidiary Seven Network Limited has filed court proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against Cricket Australia in relation to multiple quality and standard breaches by CA of Seven's media rights agreement with CA.

"The SWM proceedings will seek both: A court declaration that Seven is entitled to terminate the MRA on the basis of material contract breaches by CA which were not remedied and damages arising out of past breaches.

^{Perth Scorchers with the Big Bash trophy in 2021/22 [Robert Cianflone/Getty Images]}

"Seven will continue to perform its obligations under the MRA until terminated. The network has pursued the informal dispute resolution procedure under the MRA, but the procedure failed to resolve the dispute."

Cricket Australia responded with the following statement: "Cricket Australia (CA) is extremely disappointed that our broadcast partner, the Seven Network, has commenced legal proceedings against CA in relation to recent Covid-impacted cricket seasons.

"CA delivered two very successful cricket seasons in 2020/21 and 2021/22, including every WBBL and BBL game (a total of 240 games over two seasons) and highly acclaimed international schedules, despite the enormous challenges presented by the global pandemic.

"In the circumstances, CA is astonished that Seven has brought this unwarranted action which will be strenuously defended."