Willow by Cricbuzz Revolutionizes Cricket Viewing with Free YouTube Streaming for 2026 T20 World Cup
In a groundbreaking move for cricket fans across North America, Willow by Cricbuzz has unveiled a series of exciting updates for the upcoming 2026 cricket season, headlined by a historic partnership with YouTube that will provide free access to Team USA's ICC Men's T20 World Cup matches. This announcement marks a significant shift in how cricket content will be distributed in the United States and Canada, making premium matches accessible without subscription barriers for the first time.
Historic Free Access Through YouTube Partnership
The centerpiece of Willow's 2026 season strategy is a landmark collaboration with YouTube that will allow fans to watch all four of Team USA's T20 World Cup matches completely free of charge on the world's largest video platform. This represents the first instance ever where ICC World Cup matches will be available at no cost to consumers throughout the United States and Canada. The free streaming will be complemented by simultaneous availability on Willow and Cricbuzz platforms, ensuring maximum accessibility for cricket enthusiasts.
Todd Myers, Chief Operating Officer of Willow by Cricbuzz, emphasized the significance of this development: "The ICC Men's T20 World Cup gives fans a chance to experience cricket at a true breakout moment in the U.S. 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 to some of the most anticipated matches of the year."
Creator-Led Alternate Telecast with Jomboy Media
Beyond the free streaming initiative, Willow has partnered with Jomboy Media to introduce an innovative creator-led alternate telecast for two of the tournament's most anticipated matchups: USA vs. India and USA vs. Pakistan. This alternative viewing experience will be available on the Jomboy Media YouTube channel and promises a more engaging, personality-driven approach that blends:
- Live reaction and commentary
- Storytelling elements
- Expert cricket analysis
- Humor and real-time insights
The alternate telecast will feature Jimmy "Jomboy" O'Brien, former England international Liam Plunkett, and analyst Adam Bannon, creating a unique viewing experience that complements traditional broadcasts. O'Brien expressed his enthusiasm: "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."
Comprehensive Tournament Coverage Across Multiple Platforms
Willow by Cricbuzz has designed a multi-platform distribution strategy to ensure cricket fans can access content through their preferred viewing methods. For the four guaranteed USA matches against India, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Namibia, coverage will be available across:
- Willow TV (English-language broadcast)
- Willow 2 (Hindi-language coverage)
- Willow Sports FAST channel
- Willow by Cricbuzz website and mobile applications
- Cricbuzz digital platforms
- YouTube channels
- Direct-to-consumer subscription services
For the entire tournament, all 55 matches will be accessible in English through Willow TV and digital platforms, with Hindi coverage on Willow 2. The company is also rolling out enhanced product experiences across its website, mobile apps, and connected TV applications, promising faster performance, higher video quality, and improved navigation for live matches, replays, and highlights.
Expanding Cricket's North American Footprint
This comprehensive approach reflects cricket's growing popularity in North America, driven by increasing diaspora communities, rising domestic participation, and heightened visibility ahead of cricket's return to the Olympic Games at LA28. Marc Hatfield, Partnerships Manager at YouTube, highlighted the partnership's significance: "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."
Willow by Cricbuzz continues to position itself as the premier cricket destination in the United States and Canada, offering the most comprehensive live, streaming, and on-demand cricket coverage available. The platform remains accessible through major television providers including DISH, Sling, Spectrum, Xfinity, and DIRECTV, with dedicated streaming applications available on all major connected TV devices.
