Ten Network Holdings Limited
(ASX:TEN) has made a $500 million offer for Cricket Australia broadcast rights over five years, according to media reports.
Ten's reported offer covers all Test and limited-over matches and domestic competitions such as the Big Bash League.
The broadcaster would likely incur $20 million in additional production costs if the deal goes ahead.
While Ten's offer is not expected to generate profits for the network, it would be seen as a significant loss for Nine.
Ten's new chief executive Hamish McLennan has reportedly targeted sports programming as a key to reviving the network's ratings struggles.
Ten posted a net loss of $240 million for the first half of fiscal 2013.
