Fans of the Big Bash League (BBL) were treated to fireworks in Saturday’s finale for the
competition, as the Perth Scorchers dug deep to come from behind and best Brisbane Heat by
five wickets with three balls to spare. The triumph was their second in as many years and their
fifth overall, putting them two trophies clear of their nearest rivals Sydney Sixers.
So with this year’s extravaganza done and dusted for another 12 months, fans might now be at
a loss of what to do with themselves until the 2024 iteration rolls around. Never fear, however,
because the Big Bash SRL season 2023 is right here for you to enjoy. Intrepid punters can bet
on simulated matches using Bitcoin to claim real earnings, adding a further layer of excitement
to the sport.
After all, the Big Bash League is nothing if not a money-spinner. Aside from sizable gambling
revenue, the competition also brings in huge advertising revenues.
Who were the sponsors this year, we hear you ask? We’ve detailed the main benefactors and bankrollers of the 2023 Big Bash League below.
KFC
The Kentucky-based fast-food giant has been the main sponsor of the BBL since its inaugural
season in 2011. It has renewed its advertising deal three times since then, each with more
lucrative terms than the last. The most recent accord came in 2022, when KFC extended its
patronage of both the men’s and women’s BBLs until 2025.
Weber
Weber is to the women’s BBL (WBBL) what KFC is to the men’s – it has been the main title
sponsor for some seven years now and shows no signs of cooling its interest. The Illinois
barbecue and grill company renewed its terms with the WBBL in October of last year, with the
new agreement running out at the close of the 2023/24 season.
Fox Sports / Seven
The Australian version of US-based sports channel Fox Sports have held the broadcasting
rights for the BBL and WBBL alongside free-to-air domestic network Seven since 2018/19 and
they will continue to do so until 2023/24 at the earliest. As well as screening both tournaments,
they also hold exclusive rights to several high-profile international matches, too.
Toyota
Japanese car firm Toyota has been an official partner of Cricket Australia (CA) for over a
decade now. As well as pouring money into the BBL, it also has the naming rights for the
Australian County Cricket Championships and regularly hosts a raffle aimed at providing funding
for grassroots cricket in the country – it has reportedly raised $1.7 million to date.
Nike
In summer 2021, American sportswear giants Nike were announced as the new official supplier
of all kits for players, coaches and supporters for all eight teams involved in the BBL league.
They replaced outgoing rivals Majestic Athletic as the official supplier, who had served in the
role for several years before the Nike deal.
Advertising is a huge source of revenue for the BBL in particular and cricket in general… but the
entire sporting industry has a wide array of income streams, with gate receipts, merchandising
and gambling returns all contributing towards this immense sector.
