Network Ten says it plans to make the domestic Big Bash cricket league a major free-to-air TV event.

Ten on Tuesday confirmed it had won the right to broadcast the domestic Twenty20 competition for five years from this summer.

The network is not saying publicly how much it paid for the rights, but it has been reported the deal is worth $100 million.

Ten had reportedly bid $500 million for the rights to all international cricket matches played in Australia plus the Big Bash, but the Nine Network has retained the rights to Test and One Day International matches.

Ten chief executive Hamish McLennan said the Big Bash competition had a lot of potential and would attract a broad audience.

“Ten and Cricket Australia will make it a major free-to-air television event,” he said in a statement.

“We will work closely with Cricket Australia on the scheduling, marketing and promotion of the league to ensure it is the premium domestic sporting event of the Australian summer.”

Ten’s commentary team will be announced later in the year.

Cricket Australia and the Nine Network will reveal more about their broadcast rights deal later on Tuesday.