Originally Posted by Neil_Harris:
“Do you think my idea of 5 or 6 packages could work (rather than the ridiculous 30 odd we have at present)?”
Impossible to say without knowing what the current "packages" are.
I would assume though they are not separate packages of rights to be sold separately, but instead the total number from all permutations offered.
Only the Premier League have to sell their rights in discrete packages, as this was a negotiated solution following intervention by the European Commission. Although that requirement has legally expired, it is in the Premier League's interests to continue selling in that way.
It avoids the potential risk of another investigation, but also proven to be far more lucrative to them. But they also have no need to compromise on exposure, so can easily commit to selling to the highest bidder regardless.
But all other sports are free to negotiate and sell their rights however they wish. And whilst five distinct packages may be simple, a too rigid structure could mean broadcasters who would be interested in some cricket may decline.
Six packages really seems too few, for example ITV4 could be interested in Friday evening matches from the T20 Blast, but not other nights. So if it was all or nothing they would pick nothing.
Personally I can only see a simple package structure being of interest to dedicated sport broadcasters. What I would do is talk to potential broadcasters about their specific interests and needs, work out which permutations work best for those of the ECB, then individually negotiate deals based on that. But that is essentially a 35-package-like solution.