ECB forecasting losses of up to £50m in 2027 despite visit of Australia for the Ashes

The England and Wales Cricket Board is projecting financial losses of up to £50m in 2027 despite hosting Australia for the Ashes. County executives were informed of the deficit, which follows a £12.6m profit in 2025. The shortfall stems from the lack of a home series against India and the International Cricket Council's decision to withhold a portion of expected broadcast distributions ahead of anticipated declines in Indian television rights.

ECB officials are hopeful that the eventual deficit can be reduced to roughly £35m through additional commercial and event revenue. The projected losses are causing significant concern across the 18 first-class counties, 10 of which recently posted losses and rely heavily on ECB distributions. The ECB is also facing broader broadcast challenges, with its deals with Sky Sports and Sony Pictures expiring in 2028.