Ashes to Ashes: Inside TNT Sports’ hybrid and ‘maverick’ production plan for coverage of cricket’s oldest rivalry

Ashes to Ashes overview

Ahead of the first Ashes test in Perth on Friday (21 November), SVG Europe spoke with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe’s Scott Young to learn about the TNT Sports production team’s plans for the 2025-26 England vs Australia series.

Context and significance

The Ashes is one of world sport’s most storied contests. First played in 1882, the Test rivalry between England and Australia carries a mythic status for cricket fans worldwide. The prize is modest—a tiny terracotta urn—but the cultural weight attached to this sporting duel is substantial. It is a Test series, with matches lasting up to five days and 6 to 7 hours per day. The five-match series occurs every two years, alternating between the UK and Australia.

Format and storytelling

Because of the format and history, the Ashes offers broadcasters a unique blend in modern sport: long-form, undulating drama, enduring heritage, and a derby-like rivalry. This setup provides ample time and narrative space to explore evolving storylines as the series progresses.

Broadcast rights and coverage

In the UK, TNT Sports holds the rights to show the series through a broader deal with Cricket Australia. Previously, BT Sport aired England’s two prior away Ashes series before its merger with Warner Bros.

Сontextual note: The Ashes’ enduring appeal lies in its blend of tradition and extended storytelling, making it a rich canvas for comprehensive sports production.

Author's summary

Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe outlines a hybrid, innovative production plan for the Ashes, balancing legacy storytelling with modern broadcast demands to showcase England vs Australia across a storied, multi-day series.

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SVG Europe SVG Europe — 2025-11-17

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