NBCSN is excited to be broadcasting 10 KFC Big Bash league matches from the tournament’s sixth staging, that includes the network covering the semi-finals and final on delay.

The US media giant struck an agreement with Cricket Australia that will for the first time bring the BBL into 85 million homes.

Coverage of BBL|06 begins on NBCSN on December 20 at 3:30am ET with the season-opening ‘Sydney Smash’ between arch rivals Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers at Spotless Stadium, with a next-day replay at 12 noon.

NBCSN’s 2016-17 BBL schedule also includes the re-match of the 2015 final between the Thunder and Melbourne Stars on January 4 at 3am ET.

Highlights: Sydney Thunder win first BBL title

“NBC Sports is excited to partner with Cricket Australia to showcase this world famous league and incredibly popular international sport,” said Jon Miller, President, Programming, NBC Sports and NBCSN.

“Cricket is one of the most-watched sports across the globe, and the Big Bash League features many of the world’s best players. We are looking forward to working with our new partners to serve cricket fans in the United States and help grow the sport across the country.”

“The addition of NBCSN is a watershed moment for Australian cricket in the U.S., and is the first time Australian cricket will be available to such a broad mainstream audience,” said Ben Amarfio, Executive General Manager of Media, Communications & Marketing, Cricket Australia.

NBC Sports Group’s agreement with Cricket Australia for the BBL adds to its growing and unparalleled portfolio of international sports properties, which includes the Premier League, the Open Championship, Formula One, French Open, Aviva Premiership Rugby, the America's Cup and Tour de France.

NBC SPORTS GROUP’S 2016-17 BIG BASH LEAGUE CRICKET SCHEDULE

DATE MATCH TIME NETWORK Tue. December 20 Sydney Thunder - Sydney Sixers 3:30 am NBCSN Wed. December 21 Sydney Thunder - Sydney Sixers Noon NBCSN * Fri. December 23 Sydney Sixers - Hobart Hurricanes 2am NBCSN Sat. December 24 Sydney Sixers - Hobart Hurricanes Noon NBCSN * Wed. December 28 Sydney Thunder - Brisbane Heat 3am NBCSN Thur. December 29 Sydney Thunder - Brisbane Heat Noon NBCSN * Sat. December 31 Adelaide Strikers – Sydney Sixers 3am NBCSN Sun. January 1 Adelaide Strikers – Sydney Sixers 3:30pm NBCSN * Wed. January 4 Sydney Thunder - Melbourne Stars 3am NBCSN Thur. January 5 Sydney Thunder - Melbourne Stars Noon NBCSN * Wed. January 11 Brisbane Heat – Perth Scorchers 3:30am NBCSN Thur. January 12 Brisbane Heat – Perth Scorchers Noon NBCSN * Sat. January 21 Hobart Hurricanes - Perth Scorchers Midnight NBCSN Sun. January 22 Hobart Hurricanes - Perth Scorchers 5:30pm NBCSN * Tue. January 24 BBL Semifinals 3pm NBCSN Wed. January 25 BBL Semifinals 4pm NBCSN Sun. January 29 BBL Final 10am NBCSN

* Next day replay