Sky NZ Rugby Rights 2030 – TVNZ Coverage
New Zealand Rugby Secures Broadcast Deals with Sky and TVNZ
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New zealand Rugby (NZR) has announced extended broadcast agreements with Sky and Television New Zealand (TVNZ) covering a extensive range of rugby competitions through to 2030. The deals encompass both domestic and international matches, including those featuring the All Blacks and Black Ferns.
Sky Deal Details
Sky will continue as the primary broadcaster, securing rights to Super Rugby Pacific and super Rugby aupiki competitions, the annual National Provincial Championship, and the Farah Palmer Cup. Crucially, the agreement includes every All blacks match played in SANZAAR countries, such as the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship fixtures.It also extends to new tours against South Africa’s springboks, the forthcoming nations Cup tournament (once finalized), and the highly anticipated 2029 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.
For women’s rugby, Sky will broadcast Black Ferns matches within SANZAAR countries and the 2027 British and Irish Lions Women’s tour.
Reports initially suggested a lower offer from Sky, potentially under NZ$50 million annually. However, sources indicate the finalized deal is valued between NZ$75 million and NZ$80 million per year.
TVNZ Partnership
TVNZ has been named NZR’s free-to-air provincial rugby partner. The agreement will see 93 provincial matches aired on TVNZ+’s streaming service, with three games per week also broadcast on the linear TVNZ 1 channel. These matches will also be concurrently available on Sky.
Strategic Flexibility and International Rights
NZR has retained the rights to up to five offshore All Blacks and Black Ferns Test matches per cycle (2026-2030), allowing for individual negotiation to maximize revenue. These matches will be sold on a match-by-match basis.
NZR chair David Kirk emphasized the significance of the agreements, stating, “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 a men’s and historic first women’s British & Irish Lions tour.”
Kirk also highlighted the expanded international calendar for the Black Ferns and upcoming announcements regarding the All Blacks schedule, including new competitions and tours.
Future focus
With domestic broadcast rights secured, NZR will now concentrate on finalizing international broadcast deals. Kirk added, “Just as we have seen significant growth in international sponsorship, our focus is now on completing these vital international broadcast partnerships, which will add to our record commercial, broadcast and match-day revenue. The next five years will see positive commercial growth internationally that will allow us to continue to reinvest back into rugby in New Zealand.”