New Zealand Rugby agrees “revolutionary broadcast agreement” to become 5% stakeholder in Sky New Zealand 

Sky New Zealand has announced a “revolutionary broadcast agreement” with New Zealand Rugby (NZR).

The five-year agreement includes the rights to broadcast rugby in the country from 2021-25, a record investment in New Zealand and SANZAAR rugby along with New Zealand Rugby becoming a 5% shareholder in Sky.

Rights-wise, 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 will see extensive coverage from the broadcaster. 

NZR CEO Steve Tew said: “This is a great result for NZR – we not only have a vastly experienced broadcast partner, but we have a partner prepared to work and invest with us in initiatives that will help grow the game over a prolonged period of time. For rugby in New Zealand, this is a hugely significant agreement that secures the long-term financial health of our game.

“I would like to thank Martin and his Board for the confidence they have shown in NZR with this investment and we look forward to continuing to build our long standing and deep partnership as we both face the challenges and opportunities that a rapidly changing broadcast, entertainment and sporting world presents.”

Sky CEO Martin Stewart said: “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% 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.