NZ Rugby and Sky team up in new broadcast deal

New Zealand Rugby is to take a 5 per cent stake in Sky as it unveils a new broadcast deal.

In the latest twist in broadcasting rights news, Sky says it has secured the rights to broadcast SANZAAR rugby matches until 2025.

In a statement this morning, it said the broadcast rights included exclusive coverage of all Investec Rugby Championship, Steinlager Series, Investec Super Rugby, Mitre 10 Cup and all New Zealand’s other domestic competitions, including women’s competitions like the Farah Palmer Cup.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chief executive Steve Tew said the new agreement clearly signalled Sky and NZR had a strong commitment to growing the game.

“For rugby in New Zealand, this is a hugely significant agreement that secures the long-term financial health of our game.”

He said NZR looked forward to continuing to build its partnership with Sky as they faced the “challenges and opportunities” of a rapidly changing broadcast, entertainment and sporting world.

Sky chief executive Martin Stewart said the broadcaster was committed to to delivering rugby to all New Zealanders in ways that worked for them, including streaming, broadcast over its satellite and free-to-air on Prime.

“This partnership with NZR cements our shared commitment to nurture and grow the game across all aspects, from grassroots to high performance, and for women, men, boys’ and girls’ rugby.

“A special part of this deal is the 5 per cent equity stake that NZR is taking in Sky. We have long known that there is mutual benefit when each of us succeeds, and we’re pleased that NZR is becoming an investor in Sky.”

Source: rnz.co.nz Republished by arrangement.