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Willow TV just broke barriers by launching free YouTube T20 World Cup matches with Jomboy Media. This marks the first time ICC World Cup cricket streams free globally on YouTube. The partnership delivers personality-driven coverage for USA’s biggest matches.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Launch Date: February 3, 2026, with coverage beginning February 7 through March 8
- Free Matches: All four Team USA matches available free on YouTube for first time in ICC history
- Alternate Telecast: Jomboy Media hosts creator-led commentary on USA vs India and USA vs Pakistan only
- Talent Team: Jimmy O’Brien (Jomboy), Liam Plunkett (2019 World Cup champion), and Adam Bannon lead coverage
Historic Free Access Transforms Cricket Broadcasting in America
Willow by Cricbuzz partnered with YouTube to deliver a groundbreaking milestone. All four Team USA matches stream free on the world’s largest video platform, shattering the old model where matches cost $100-plus for pay-per-view access a decade ago. Todd Myers, Chief Operating Officer of Willow by Cricbuzz, emphasized the moment: More than a decade ago, major ICC World Cup matches in the U.S. required $100-plus pay-per-view access. We helped bring the sport into an affordable monthly subscription, and now we are taking the next step by offering free access.
The T20 World Cup runs February 7 through March 8, 2026, featuring 20 teams and 55 total matches. USA faces India (February 7 at 8:30 AM ET), Pakistan (February 10), Netherlands (February 13), and Namibia (February 15). Beyond free USA matches, all World Cup games stream on Willow’s paid channels and YouTube TV’s NFL RedZone package.
Willow TV launches free YouTube T20 World Cup matches with Jomboy Media
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Jomboy Media Partners to Create Creator-Led Alternate Telecast Experience
For the first time in cricket broadcasting history, fans watch T20 World Cup matches through a creator-led lens. Jomboy Media, founded in 2017 in New York, brings sports storytelling experience from viral baseball content to cricket. The company has 2 million YouTube subscribers and features the biggest baseball podcasts in America (Talkin’ Yanks, Talkin’ Baseball). MLB took a minority stake in Jomboy Media last year, marking the first pro league partnership with a creator-led media company.
Jimmy O’Brien, Jomboy’s founder, discovered cricket during COVID-19 lockdowns and now brings infectious energy to coverage. He’s joined by Liam Plunkett, England international and 2019 Cricket World Cup champion, plus analyst Adam Bannon. The trio blends humor, real-time reaction, and expert insight for USA vs India and USA vs Pakistan matches exclusively. O’Brien stated: I discovered cricket during COVID and instantly fell in love. We’re excited to create new fans in the US for baseball’s older cousin.
| Detail | Information |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Dates | February 7, March 8, 2026 |
| Primary Broadcaster | Willow by Cricbuzz with YouTube |
| Free USA Matches | Four games on YouTube |
“We’re thrilled to partner with Willow by Cricbuzz to bring T20 World Cup USA cricket matches to YouTube for free, enabling our large audience of passionate sports fans the ability to engage with both the main livestream and an alternative creator-led livestream featuring Jomboy Media.”
— Marc Hatfield, Partnerships Manager at YouTube
Multi-Platform Access Makes Cricket Accessible Across Streaming and Mobile
Willow by Cricbuzz rebuilt its entire platform for 2026 cricket season. The new experience promises faster loading, higher-quality video, and simpler match access. All four USA T20 World Cup matches appear across mobile apps, desktop, connected TV platforms, and Willow 2 (Hindi-language commentary). Fans access streams via Amazon Prime, FloSports, Triller TV, and YouTube Primetime Channels. The 55 total World Cup matches stream in both English on Willow TV and Hindi on Willow 2.
YouTube’s partnership reflects cricket’s growing US visibility ahead of Olympic cricket debut at LA28. Growing diaspora audiences, increased domestic participation, and mainstream momentum drive expansion. Willow balances premium television with free digital access and new programming formats targeting both dedicated cricket fans and newcomers discovering the sport.
Why This Deal Matters for American Cricket’s Future Growth?
This launch represents a watershed moment for cricket in America. Before this, ICC World Cup matches required expensive cable or pay-per-view subscriptions. Now zero barriers exist to watching USA cricket at sport’s highest level. Jomboy Media’s involvement signals mainstream sports media embracing cricket as legitimate entertainment. When MLB invests in a creator-led media company focused partly on cricket, baseball understands where youth sports attention is heading. The Q question becomes: will free, personality-driven coverage convert casual viewers into lifelong cricket fans?
Sources
- Sports Video Group: Comprehensive Willow and Jomboy Media partnership details and broadcast specifications for T20 World Cup 2026 USA matches
- Wisden: Complete USA schedule, broadcast platforms, Jomboy Media channel information, and regional time zones for T20 World Cup coverage
- Jomboy Media: Official announcements regarding creator-led alternate telecasts featuring Jimmy O’Brien, Liam Plunkett, and Adam Bannon
