An announcement can be expected within a matter of months after the ECB formally began a media rights sale process for contracts to distribute live and highlights packages for international and domestic cricket in the United Kingdom between 2020 and 2025.
That will include the planned franchise tournament, due for its inaugural season in 2020 after the 18 first-class counties and other ECB stakeholders last month agreed to its introduction.
The aggregate value of the packages sold is likely to dwarf the £75million-a-year currently paid by Sky for its live and exclusive television rights.
ECB chief executive Tom Harrison acknowledged during the months of negotiations that the deals to be struck are likely to contain some terrestrial broadcast.
There was a further indication that might be the case in an ECB press release confirming the governing body has sent an Invitation to Tender document to prospective interested parties.
Harrison noted "the right balance" must be struck between the high price which may be paid by subscriber-based channels and the increased reach of free-to-air.
He said: "This is a very important process, and the outcome will be hugely significant for cricket in England and Wales.
"The game is in good shape, with inspiring international teams, strong county competitions, a recreational game that's adapting to modern lifestyles and a new participation drive for a younger audience.
"Our partners for the next rights period will help us build on these very strong foundations and develop an even brighter future. They will understand our strategy, see the opportunities and share our ambitions for growth."
Broadcast and streaming rights to men's international and domestic cricket across all formats, all women's international fixtures and Super League Twenty 20 are for sale as well as the as yet unnamed new eight-team franchise Twenty20 - from January 1, 2020 until December 31, 2024.
Harrison added: "Through this process, we are looking to secure the right balance of reach, revenue and exposure to drive the game for the next decade.
"To achieve that, we're offering a wide range of opportunities, within a competitive process that will meet the highest standards.
"Our competitions are attractive, the bidding criteria clear - and we have a planned and proper approach to make the right decisions for the long-term growth and vitality of the game.
"We're excited to see how potential partners look at the opportunities to be involved in the future growth of the game in England and Wales."
