New Zealand Rugby Secures Broadcast Deal with Sky and TVNZ

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has confirmed a new broadcast agreement with Sky, ensuring that all matches involving the All Blacks, Black Ferns, Super Rugby Pacific, Super Rugby Aupiki, and the National Provincial Championship (NPC) will continue to be televised. This deal, which spans the next five years, aims to enhance rugby accessibility for fans while also seeking opportunities to generate additional revenue through offshore test matches.

Under the terms of the agreement, up to five test matches for both the All Blacks and the Black Ferns, held outside New Zealand, will not be included in the domestic broadcast package. Instead, NZR plans to negotiate the rights for these games on a match-by-match basis. While specific financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, NZR chairperson David Kirk expressed satisfaction with the arrangement, stating, “We’re delighted to confirm this new agreement with our long-term partner Sky, which will see Sky remain the home of rugby in New Zealand.”

Expanded Coverage and New Partnerships

The agreement also marks the beginning of a partnership with TVNZ, which will serve as NZR’s free-to-air provincial rugby broadcaster. Kirk highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating, “We are pleased to partner with TVNZ to provide expanded free-to-air coverage of provincial rugby.” With this new arrangement, New Zealanders will have increased options to watch rugby, including 93 provincial matches available free-to-view on TVNZ+ and three weekly games in prime viewing slots on TVNZ 1, alongside co-exclusive live broadcasts on Sky.

Kirk emphasized that this agreement is a “win-win-win outcome,” providing a secure revenue stream for NZR to invest in rugby, maintaining Sky as a partner, and ultimately benefiting fans with more accessible viewing options. The NZR chairperson noted strong viewership numbers for both the All Blacks and Black Ferns this year, with the Super Rugby Pacific Final achieving its best audience ratings since 2016.

Future Plans for Rugby in New Zealand

Looking ahead, NZR is committed to enhancing fan engagement through its broader content strategy, which includes exciting domestic and international competitions. Kirk mentioned that the Black Ferns will participate in a new international women’s calendar starting in 2024, which will feature more test matches against top-tier teams worldwide. He also teased forthcoming announcements regarding the All Blacks’ schedule, promising new competitions and tours.

As NZR prepares to finalize international broadcast agreements, Kirk remains optimistic about the future of rugby in New Zealand. The governing body aims to create an environment where fans can enjoy their sport more than ever before, fostering a vibrant rugby culture that resonates across the country.