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Sport Nation
Sky Sport secure six-year home internationals deal with NZ Cricket
Sport Nation • February 21st, 2025 8:42 am
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
From Spark Sport, to TVNZ, and now back home to Sky Sport - cricket fans in New Zealand will once again be able to tune into the pay TV provider for Blackcaps and White Ferns' home internationals from the 2026-27 season.
New Zealand Cricket and Sky have announced the signing of a new six-year deal through to the 2031-32 season that sees home games for both international sides return to Sky for the first time since 2020.
Back then, Spark Sport was marred by teething issues as the nation looked to play catch up to the rest of the world when it comes to streaming sports. Paying for the likes of NFL GamePass, NBA, MLB or NHL TV to stream those overseas leagues is nothing new, but a homegrown platform was.
By the end of 2022, Spark axed their service and the cricket broadcast rights went to TVNZ, who have since been providing Kiwis with free-to-air coverage of New Zealand's home summer of cricket, including Blackcaps, White Ferns, and the Super Smash leagues, on TV and their own streaming platform TVNZ+.
But it appears that NZC have sought to find a more permanent home, securing their broadcasting future within New Zealand with a provider familiar to their fans.
“We’re delighted to form this new partnership with Sky and to be able to ensure the best possible access for Kiwi-based fans," NZC CEO Scott Weenink said in a statement.
“We look forward to working with Sky to continue to deliver outstanding production values and cutting-edge technology for the benefit of all supporters.”
Weenink also thanked TVNZ for their contributions as the organisation looks to carry on their positive relationship with the broadcaster for the potential airing of free-to-air T20 internationals and Super Smash coverage once the new deal with Sky kicks in.
“Sky and NZC are committed to delivering Blackcaps and White Ferns home internationals to New Zealanders in ways that work for them, including a free-to-air component," said Sky CEO Sophie Moloney.
“Details of the broadcast arrangements will be announced closer to start of the 2026-27 season.”
Further information regarding viewing access for New Zealand's domestic T20 competitions will also be released at a later date.
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