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Sport Nation
Blackcaps' NIL stoush with New Zealand Cricket is over
Alex Chapman • June 3rd, 2025 10:59 am
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Stumps has been called on a seven-month dispute between the Blackcaps and cricket’s national governing body.
New Zealand Cricket and the players had maintained a peaceful relationship for more than two decades, however clashed over the players’ name, image and likeness (NIL) rights.
The resolution comes after the two bodies disagreed over whether players could only be marketed exclusively under the NZC banner.
The NZ Cricket Players Association claimed no one could own rights to the players without their permission, and that the governing body’s restraints only apply when they wear NZC trademarks and logos.
The disagreement came to a head when NZC wanted exclusivity in licensing player rights to the “Dream” company, which sponsors the domestic cricket T20 Super Smash, for a mobile video game.
NZC felt their deal could be devalued if Dream felt their arrangement wasn’t being met, however the NZCPA insisted its members must be free and able to earn royalties from other financial opportunities through sponsors and technologies.
That came with the proviso that they don’t benefit from or use NZC trademarks or logos.
In response to the resolution, NZC CEO Scott Weenink added that "We're pleased the dispute is being settled in a manner that's satisfactory to both parties, as well as our commercial partners - all of which has been reflected in an amended agreement.
“We're not interested in claiming the upper-hand or vindication, but it’s fair to say that NZC is pleased with the result. It's just good both parties have come to an agreement, and will work together to resolve the breach of the Dream contract.”
Players Association boss Heath Mills said that “The players are really pleased to have the matter resolved and confirmation that they own their individual player property, as has been the case since 2002.
“It’s disappointing that we’ve been through this process at all but we now move forward.”
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