Backed by massive investment in new technology, TVNZ launched headlong into its new pay-per-view sports business model this month, kicking off with the Football World Cup.
It reportedly paid up to $5 million for the rights, heading off Sky TV.
That investment appears to be paying off in spades, as it reaps the benefits of the world’s biggest sporting tournament, with a mix of 22 free-to-air matches and the other 82 available for a one-off, $44.95 “Event Pass”.
That brings in a combination of new subscription revenue, alongside advertising income. The tournament’s popularity, to date, has also been driven by All Whites fan fervour.
TVNZ’s moves also come as new financial figures reveal the challenge for Sky TV – which still has the majority of major sports rights – in bringing free-to-air Three into its business.
Sky TV acquired Three from Warner Bros Discovery for a nominal $1 last August.
The financial statements tabled at the Companies Office show the free-to-air TV channel (now called Sky Free on the books) saw its advertising revenue fall from $102.6 million in 2024 to $79.7m in 2025, a 22.3% drop.
Sky TV has declined an interview request this week with chief executive Sophie Moloney.
Nyika fight
David Nyika fights Floyd Masson in the IBF cruiserweight world title eliminator bout on August 8 in Auckland.
TVNZ has yet to announce the price for the event, which is so far supported by seven undercard fights, including Vatuvei versus Ranger and Messam versus Luke Siaki.
David Nyika (right) and Nikolas Charalampous during their bout in Sydney in 2025. Photo / AAP
The fight is a further chapter in Vatuvei’s redemption story – after a stellar career with the Warriors, he pleaded guilty in 2021 to importing $200,000 of methamphetamine from India and was sentenced in 2022 to a three-year, seven-month prison term. He has fought two previous bouts, winning both by knockout.
The event marks TVNZ’s first move into boxing – it also has rights to UFC, America’s Cup, FPC and selected NPC rugby (Sky has full rights for the NPC), and is desperate to get its hands on a season-long sport such as the NRL.
It also screens the annual Black Clash cricket match, which is operated by Duco Events, the organisation behind the Nyika bout.
TVNZ head of sport, events and partnerships Melodie Robinson.
In a statement today, TVNZ head of sports, events and partnerships Melodie Robinson called the new boxing deal a “fantastic opportunity”.
She said Duco consistently delivered “an incredible atmosphere and world-class events”.
Duco director David Higgins said the bout was shaping up “to be one of the biggest fight nights New Zealand has seen in years”.
“The main event already has massive world title implications, but we also wanted to build an undercard that delivers genuine entertainment and showcases some of the best boxing talent from New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific, while also delivering some fantastic crossover matchups featuring well-known sporting personalities that fans will be eager to see step into the ring.
“Partnering with TVNZ+ is another major step forward for the sport here. It means more New Zealanders than ever before will be able to access a premium boxing product on a world-class platform.”
The full card, including undercard:
IBF cruiserweight world title eliminator: David Nyika v Floyd Masson
Hemi Ahio v Kiki Toa Leutele
IBF international super lightweight title: Sheilla Yama v Jessica Messina
Manu Vatuvei v Rene Ranger
John Parker v Nik Charalampous
Alex Leapai Junior v Arsene Fosso
Cassidy Thornberry v Ross Malthus
Liam Messam v Luke Siaki
Former world heavyweight champion boxer Joseph Parker was also at today’s announcement. He said the strength of the undercard reflected the depth of talent emerging in the region.
“There’s massive talent throughout this card,” Parker said.
“You’ve got experienced fighters, rising contenders and some seriously entertaining match-ups.
“The inclusion of Sheilla Yama and Jessica Messina competing for the IBF super lightweight interim world title fight is hugely exciting. Fans are in for an incredible night.”
Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand’s most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial roles at NZME including Managing Editor, NZ Herald Editor and Herald on Sunday Editor and has a small shareholding in NZME.