- Sky Network Television will be broadcasting Netball New Zealand matches into 2024 after extending its agreement with the sporting organisation
- Across its multiple streaming and televised platforms, Sky will air matches from The Constellation Cup, ANZ Premiership, National Netball League, and National age group Championship
- Today’s extension is a well needed gain for Sky since it lost out on NZ cricket broadcasting rights earlier this month to competitor Spark Sport after a 24-year partnership
- The major netball broadcasting extension today is a win for women’s sports visibility, as its the number one female team sport in New Zealand with over 145,000 players across the country
- Despite the positive announcement, shares in Sky Sport on the Australian market have actually dropped 2.02 per cent to trade at 97 cents per share.
Sky Network Television has extended its broadcasting rights of Netball New Zealand games into 2024.
The agreement will see Sky retain broadcasting of small and large events, including The Constellation Cup, ANZ Premiership matches, National Netball League, and National age group Championship Matches.
“Netball NZ is a longstanding partner and we are delighted to have agreed to this extension of the agreement,” Sky CEO Martin Stewart said today.
“Fans who saw the Silver Ferns’ superb win against Australia on Sunday will have fresh in their minds how exhilarating netball is to watch,” he added.
On Sunday, the New Zealand Silver Ferns netball team beat out the Australian Diamond’s team by one goal, 54-53, in the Constellation Cup series.
A MASSIVE win for us here in Sydney!
This is now the 16th match against Australia that has come down to a one goal margin.
MVP: Laura Langman#ConstellationCup
📷 @mbphotonz pic.twitter.com/qmRhQccrfE— Silver Ferns (@SilverFernsNZ) October 20, 2019
Today’s broadcasting extension will see Sky deliver the NZ Netball content across its platforms including Sky Sport 3, streaming services Sky Go and Sky Sport Now, and free-to-air television.
“Our commitment to our customers is to deliver the best sport from New Zealand and around the world, in ways that work for individuals,” Martin added.
“The depth and breadth of our sports offer is strengthened by this Netball NZ deal, and we look forward to delivering some superb netball to New Zealanders over the next four years.”
Today’s announcement is a well needed win for Sky as it lost out on NZ cricket broadcasting rights earlier this month to competitor Spark Sport after a 24-year partnership.
Fortunately for the broadcaster, it was able to hold onto international cricket rights for the next four years.
Visibility for women in sport
Speaking on air with Sky Sport this week, Netball NZ CEO Jennie Wyllie said the extension was a win for visibility of women’s sport.
“We’re thrilled to have extended our partnership with Sky, and are grateful for their support across all levels of netball,” she added in a Sky Network media release today.
“Netball is the number one female team sport in New Zealand with around 145,000 players across the country.”
Jennie also said today she was excited to see netball matches reach more fans around the country.
“We’re excited about the opportunity this renewed agreement presents in terms of showing more netball to New Zealand fans, the financial certainty that comes with a multi-year deal, and Sky’s commitment to working with us to grow the game.”
“Sky has shown a genuine commitment to women’s sport in New Zealand, and it’s great to be working together on some new initiatives at the grassroots level,” she added.
Despite the positive announcement, shares in Sky Sport on the Australian market have actually dropped 2.02 per cent to trade at 97 cents per share.