New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has secured a major five-year broadcast extension with Sky, ensuring that the pay-TV giant remains the home of rugby in New Zealand from 2026 to 2030. The deal, which covers the All Blacks, Black Ferns, Super Rugby, and provincial competitions, is valued at between NZ$75 million (US$43.8 million) and NZ$80 million (US$46.5 million) annually. This marks a significant decrease from Sky’s current contract, reportedly worth NZ$111 million (US$64.5 million) per year for the 2021–2025 cycle.
Key Coverage and Rights
The new agreement guarantees Sky the broadcast rights to every New Zealand men’s international match played in Sanzaar countries, including fixtures in the Rugby Championship and the Bledisloe Cup, as well as the planned biennial Nations Cup. It also secures coverage of the women’s internationals in Sanzaar nations, the historic first British and Irish Lions Women’s tour in 2027, and the men’s Lions tour to New Zealand in 2029.
Super Rugby, the Pacific region’s premier club competition, remains part of Sky’s portfolio under the extension. In addition, state-owned TVNZ has been named NZR’s free-to-air partner for provincial rugby. Under this arrangement, TVNZ will air 93 matches, including three weekly fixtures on TVNZ 1, with all games also shown live on Sky. The coverage includes every men’s National Provincial Championship (NPC) fixture and select matches from the women’s Farah Palmer Cup.
Competitive Landscape
The decision to stick with Sky follows reported negotiations with other potential broadcasters, including DAZN, which had been in the running to secure rights. The lower value of Sky’s latest offer reflects broader economic conditions and a recalibration of sports rights costs in New Zealand. Following the dissolution of Spark Sport, Sky has been strategically focused on securing key sports rights at more sustainable rates.
Reaction from NZR
“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,” said NZR chair David Kirk. “The next five years are exciting for fans, with the best domestic competitions in the world and an amazing international calendar for our All Blacks and Black Ferns, including men’s and women’s Lions tours.
“We are pleased to partner with TVNZ to provide expanded free-to-air coverage of provincial rugby. New Zealanders will have more ways to watch rugby than ever before over the next five years. We see this as a win-win-win outcome – a secure revenue stream to support NZR in investing in rugby; Sky remaining our partner and the home of rugby; and a win for our fans.”
Looking Ahead
Up to five offshore Test matches for both the All Blacks and Black Ferns across the 2026–2030 period are not included in the domestic agreement. NZR will negotiate separate broadcast deals for these games on a case-by-case basis.
Kirk added that NZR’s next priority would be finalising international broadcast agreements. He highlighted that the growth in international sponsorship and commercial partnerships would continue to bolster revenue, enabling the governing body to reinvest in the development of rugby domestically.
This landmark deal not only secures Sky’s role as the central broadcaster of New Zealand rugby but also expands accessibility for fans through TVNZ, reflecting a more diversified and inclusive media strategy for the sport’s future.
Partner With Us
Want to feature your brand, business, or service on 365247 — Whether you’re looking to sponsor, collaborate, or build presence within our ecosystem, we’d love to explore it with you.
Submit your interest here
IMAGE: Getty Images
